Basic Life Support (BLS) Practice Exam

If a child with an obstructed airway becomes unresponsive, what should you do first?

1. Immediately start providing rescue breaths

2. Call for emergency medical assistance

3. Gently lower the child to the ground and begin CPR

4. Attempt back blows and abdominal thrusts

The correct answer is: Gently lower the child to the ground and begin CPR

In the event that a child with an obstructed airway becomes unresponsive, the priority is to ensure that the child receives immediate care to restore their breathing and circulation. Gently lowering the child to the ground and beginning CPR is the correct first action in this scenario. Specifically, when a child is unresponsive, the likelihood of cardiac arrest increases, especially if the airway has been obstructed long enough to cause a lack of oxygen. Starting CPR immediately can help maintain blood flow to vital organs and can be critical in preventing further complications. It's important to note that while rescue breaths are essential for a child in cardiac arrest, they should only be administered after ensuring circulation is established through chest compressions. Calling for emergency medical assistance is vital, but initiating CPR takes precedence because it directly addresses the immediate threat to the child's life. Attempting back blows and abdominal thrusts is appropriate when the child is conscious and responsive, as these methods help clear an obstruction in the airway; however, when the child is unresponsive, initiating CPR is the most crucial step.