Which clinical interventions can be performed in the event of a pediatric patient experiencing an occluded airway?

In the case of a pediatric patient with an occluded airway, employing back blows and chest thrusts for infants is the most appropriate clinical intervention. This technique is specifically designed for infants under one year of age who are experiencing a complete airway obstruction.

Back blows involve striking the infant between the shoulder blades with the heel of the hand while the infant is supported in a face-down position on the rescuer's forearm, which is crucial for redirecting airflow and creating pressure changes that help dislodge the obstruction. Following this, chest thrusts are performed by placing two fingers in the center of the infant's chest and delivering quick, thrusting pushes. This method is ideal for infants because it aligns with their developmental stage and physical characteristics, ensuring that the intervention is effective and safe.

In contrast, other interventions like abdominal thrusts and the Heimlich maneuver are not appropriate for infants due to their anatomical differences and risk of injury. For older children, suctioning may be necessary if an object is visible in the airway, but it is not a universal solution for dealing with occluded airways, especially in an emergency context. Thus, back blows and chest thrusts stand out as the correct and effective approach for infants facing airway obstruction.