Basic Life Support (BLS) Practice Exam

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Prepare for the Basic Life Support Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, complete with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

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When administering back blows to a responsive infant with an obstructed airway, which technique is recommended?

Use the heel of your hand between the scapulae
Strike the back with your fist
Perform abdominal thrusts
Tap the infant's shoulders firmly

The correct answer is: Use the heel of your hand between the scapulae

The recommended technique for administering back blows to a responsive infant with an obstructed airway involves using the heel of your hand between the scapulae. This method is effective because it focuses the force of the blows on the upper back, which can help dislodge an obstruction from the airway when administered correctly. When using the heel of the hand, it's essential to be gentle yet firm to avoid causing injury to the infant while still providing enough force to potentially clear the blockage. Other techniques, such as striking the back with a fist or performing abdominal thrusts, are not appropriate for infants. Striking with a fist increases the risk of injury and is not effective for their smaller frames. Abdominal thrusts, commonly known as the Heimlich maneuver, are not recommended for infants due to their anatomical differences and the risk of causing internal injuries. Lastly, tapping the infant's shoulders firmly does not create the necessary force to address an airway obstruction. Therefore, using the heel of your hand is the most effective and safest method for dealing with this critical situation in an infant.