A conscious choking infant (under 1 year) is found. Which maneuver is appropriate?

• A. Back blows and chest thrusts
• B. Abdominal thrusts
• C. Restraint
• D. Rescue breaths only

Answer: (A)

For a conscious choking infant under one year, the correct maneuver is a sequence of back blows and chest thrusts. This approach uses targeted blows to dislodge the object while avoiding abdominal pressure, which can harm infants. Position the infant face-down on your forearm with the head supported, then deliver five firm back blows between the shoulder blades. Turn the infant over and support the head, placing two to three fingers on the center of the chest just below the nipple line, and perform five chest thrusts. Alternate these steps until the obstruction is expelled or the infant becomes unresponsive. If the infant becomes unresponsive, start CPR and call for help.

Abdominal thrusts are not used in infants due to the risk of injury and lower effectiveness. Restraint does not clear the airway, and rescue breaths only do not relieve the blockage in a conscious choking infant (they become part of CPR if the infant loses consciousness).