Foreign-body airway obstruction (FBAO) is the 4th leading cause of unintentional death and a leading cause of accidental deaths in children younger than age 16, according to the National Safety Council—with 5051 documented deaths in 2015. Clinically, FBAO presents with a sudden onset of choking or the sensation of something lodged in the throat, often accompanied by forceful coughing, gagging, or stridor. Signs of respiratory distress may include breathlessness, inability to speak or cry, cyanosis, and the “universal choking sign” (clutching the throat). Severe hypoxia resulting from FBAO can lead to loss of consciousness. Age-specific symptoms vary, with infants showing silent cyanosis and ineffective cough, while adults may experience sudden coughing and gagging, particularly when eating quickly or having swallowing disorders. Due to the prevalence and rapid progression to unconsciousness and death associated with choking, it is essential for everyone, including those outside of the health field, to understand basic choking care. Simple maneuvers such as the Heimlich maneuver have been proven to save lives.Participants in this course gain a comprehensive understanding of FBAO, including its clinical presentation, causes, and evidence-based diagnostic and treatment strategies. The course covers the various symptoms across different age groups and teaches effective management techniques to prevent fatal outcomes. Emphasis is placed on the importance of early intervention and the implementation of life-saving maneuvers. Collaborating with an interprofessional team, including emergency physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, and first responders, enhances patient outcomes by ensuring a coordinated and swift response to FBAO incidents.
- Provider:StatPearls, LLC
- Activity Link: https://www.statpearls.com/ArticleLibrary/viewarticle/67479
- Start Date: 2023-09-01 05:00:00
- End Date: 2023-09-01 05:00:00
- Credit Details: IPCE Credits: 1.0 hours
AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™️: 1.0 hours
Nursing: 1.0 hours
Pharmacy: 1.0 hours - MOC Credit Details: ABS - 1.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Accredited CME (ABS)
ABOS - 1.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Accredited CME (ABOS)
ABPATH - 1.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Lifelong Learning (ABPATH)
ABA - 1.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Lifelong Learning (ABA)
ABTS - 1.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Accredited CME (ABTS)
ABS - 1.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Self-Assessment (ABS)
ABP - 1.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Lifelong Learning and Self-Assessment (ABP)
ABOHNS - 1.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Self-Assessment (ABOHNS)
ABTS - 1.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Self-Assessment (ABTS) - Commercial Support: No
- Activity Type: Enduring Material
- CME Finder Type: Online Learning
- Fee to Participate: Variable
- Measured Outcome: Learner Knowledge, Learner/Team Competence
- Provider Ship: Directly Provided
- Registration: Open to all
- Specialty: All Practice Areas (e.g. ethics), Critical Care, General Operative Anesthesia, General Otolaryngology, General Pediatrics, General Surgery, General Thoracic, Hospital Medicine, Non-Thoracic Surgery, Orthopaedic Sports Medicine, Pediatric Anesthesia, Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Pediatric Surgery