Which toy may introduce a potential choking hazard?

• A. Balloons and magnets
• B. Lego blocks
• C. Soft plush toy
• D. Water play cups

Answer: (A)

Recognize items that can block a child’s airway if swallowed or aspirated. Balloons are a classic choking hazard for young children because a whole balloon, broken piece, or deflated fragment can easily slip into the airway and cause obstruction. Magnets are also dangerous if swallowed; even small magnets can travel through the digestive tract and cause blockage or perforation, and multiple magnets can attract across loops of intestine, which is a medical emergency. The other options don’t pose an immediate airway blockage in typical use as strongly, since soft plush toys are usually large and water play cups are not small, detachable parts. For these reasons, balloons and magnets present the most notable choking risk.