What is one of the potential dangers when performing a finger sweep on an infant?

Prepare for the Red Cross Adult, Child and Baby First Aid/CPR/AED Test. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions with explanations. Be ready for your certification exam!

When performing a finger sweep on an infant who is choking, one of the primary concerns is that it may worsen the choking. If a foreign object is lodged in the airway, attempting to sweep it out can push the object further down the throat or deeper into the airway, leading to complete obstruction. This is particularly risky in infants, as their airways are smaller and more easily obstructed.

In contrast, the actions of injury to the throat and gums, while they might be concerns in a general sense, are less likely to occur in the context of a finger sweep compared to the increased risk that the obstruction could be pushed further down. Causing panic, while a valid concern in emergency situations, does not directly relate to the physical dangers posed during the act of performing the finger sweep. Thus, the focus on worsening the choking situation highlights the need for careful consideration and proper technique when responding to choking incidents in infants.

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