Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) Practice Exam

In which age group does foreign body aspiration most commonly occur?

1. Below 6 months

2. 6 months to 3 years

3. 4 to 6 years

4. 7 to 12 years

The correct answer is: 6 months to 3 years

Foreign body aspiration occurs most commonly in children aged 6 months to 3 years. This age group is particularly at risk due to several developmental factors. As toddlers begin to explore their environment, they often put objects in their mouths. Their motor skills are developing, but their chewing and swallowing abilities are not fully refined, making them more susceptible to inhaling small items accidentally. Children in this age range are naturally curious, leading them to grab small toys, food pieces, and other items that may become lodged in their airways. Furthermore, their anatomical and physiological characteristics, such as comparatively smaller airways and a high activity level, increase the likelihood of obstruction when these foreign objects are inhaled. Understanding this risk is crucial for caregivers and medical professionals to help prevent such incidents and ensure proper responses in emergencies involving foreign body aspiration.