What should you avoid doing when checking for an obstruction in a choking infant?

Study for the Basic Life Support Instructor Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each accompanied by hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

When checking for an obstruction in a choking infant, performing a blind sweep is not recommended. This is because inserting fingers blindly into an infant's mouth can push the object deeper into the airway, potentially worsening the obstruction. In infants, their airways are particularly narrow and delicate, so careful methods are needed to ensure safety.

In contrast, using your fingers to check for an obstruction can be an appropriate response if you can see the object, as long as you use caution and only attempt to remove it if there is a clear view. Calling for help is also critical in emergencies involving choking, as additional assistance can be vital. Giving breaths should not be done until the airway is cleared, since attempting to breathe into a blocked airway will not provide any benefit and could cause further complications. Thus, avoiding a blind sweep is key to enhancing the effectiveness of the response and ensuring the infant's safety.

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