Emergency Nurse Practitioner (ENP) Practice Test 2026 – Comprehensive All-in-One Guide to Exam Success

Administering back blows and chest thrusts in infants is a critical intervention aimed at clearing airway obstruction. This technique is specifically used when an infant is experiencing severe choking, where an object or food is lodged in the upper airway, preventing normal airflow. The combination of back blows and chest thrusts creates a forceful action that helps to dislodge the offending material, allowing the infant to resume normal breathing.

During this emergency procedure, back blows are delivered between the infant’s shoulder blades, and chest thrusts are performed using two fingers in the center of the chest, creating pressure that can force the obstruction out of the airway. This is crucial in preventing hypoxia and other serious complications that can arise from blocked airways. The objective is to restore airflow, thereby ensuring oxygen delivery to vital organs, including the brain, which is essential for the infant's survival.