North Carolina EMT State Practice Exam

In an unconscious choking scenario for a child, what is done after starting CPR?

1. Repeated cycles of CPR

2. Check for responsiveness

3. Perform abdominal thrusts

4. Check for circulation

The correct answer is: Repeated cycles of CPR

In an unconscious choking scenario for a child, if you have started CPR, the next appropriate step would be to continue with repeated cycles of CPR. When someone is choking and becomes unconscious, initiating CPR is critical as it helps maintain blood circulation and oxygenation to vital organs. During CPR, compressions should be performed at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute, with a depth of approximately 1.5 to 2 inches for children. After every 30 compressions, you would give 2 rescue breaths, which can help to functionally clear the airway. By continuing with repeated cycles of CPR, you are maximizing the chances of creating airflow and possibly dislodging any object in the airway while also providing vital support to the heart and lungs. This is particularly important because the first few minutes are crucial in a choking situation. The other options do not effectively align with the immediate needs in this scenario. Checking for responsiveness is less applicable once CPR has begun; instead, the focus should remain on providing compressions and breaths. Performing abdominal thrusts is generally not recommended for an unconscious child, as it could cause further injury or complications. Checking for circulation is not necessary when actively administering CPR, as compressions themselves work to circulate