What is the primary goal when administering back blows to a choking infant?

The primary goal when administering back blows to a choking infant is to clear the airway. Choking occurs when an object becomes lodged in the airway, preventing normal breathing. By delivering back blows, you aim to create force that can dislodge the object blocking the airway. This technique is specifically designed to help expel the obstruction, allowing the infant to breathe again.

In the context of providing aid to a choking infant, comfort and assessing responsiveness are important but secondary to the immediate need to clear the airway. Encouraging coughing is not applicable for infants who are unable to cough effectively due to the severity of the choking. Therefore, the focus on clearing the airway is essential for restoring the infant's ability to breathe and ensuring their safety.