The nurse is providing care to an infant in the emergency department (ED). Initial assessment indicates that the infant is experiencing an asthma attack
The infant is unresponsive to medication and a chest x-ray reveals a foreign body partially obstructing the airway. While placing an oxygen mask on the infant, the nurse notes a total obstruction of the airway. Which nursing action is appropriate?
A) Attempt to clear the obstruction by delivering back blows and chest thrusts.
B) Attempt to clear the obstruction by delivering back blows.
C) Attempt to clear the obstruction by delivering back blows and abdominal thrusts.
D) Attempt to clear the obstruction by delivering abdominal thrusts.
Answer: A
When a life-threatening total airway obstruction occurs, efforts to clear the obstruction include back blows and chest thrusts in an infant; therefore, the appropriate action for the nurse to take is to deliver back blows and chest thrusts. Abdominal thrusts are appropriate in older children.
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