What is the first intervention for a three-year-old child who is cyanotic and potentially choked on a penny?

The most appropriate first intervention for a three-year-old child who is cyanotic and potentially choked on a penny is to administer abdominal thrusts. This technique is specifically designed to help dislodge an object from the airway of a conscious child who is unable to breathe, cough, or speak, which fits the scenario of choking.

When a child is choking, the immediate goal is to clear the airway obstruction. Abdominal thrusts, also known as the Heimlich maneuver for older children, apply pressure to the stomach area, which can help expel the foreign object lodged in the throat. In a young child, this maneuver is usually modified by performing chest thrusts rather than typical abdominal thrusts, but the concept remains the same: to create enough force to clear the obstruction.

In scenarios of choking, other interventions are not prioritized as the first step. Providing 100% oxygen is not effective until the airway is cleared, as oxygen cannot effectively reach the lungs if there is an obstruction. Administering back blows is typically used when a child is still able to cough or breathe somewhat but is struggling. A blind finger sweep is not recommended because it may push the object further down the airway, potentially worsening the situation. Therefore, performing abdominal thrusts