In which position should a nurse hold an infant when delivering back slaps during a choking incident?

When an infant is experiencing a choking incident, it is critical to position the infant correctly during the delivery of back slaps to effectively clear the airway. Holding the infant in a position where the head is down and lower than the trunk allows gravity to assist in dislodging the obstruction from the airway. This technique maximizes the effectiveness of the back slaps, as it encourages any lodged object to move upwards and out of the airway due to gravitational force.

This positioning is essential for the safety and efficacy of the response, ensuring that the back slaps are administered directly between the shoulder blades, which is the recommended technique. By maintaining this head-down position, the nurse enhances the chance of successful clearance of the airway obstruction while minimizing the risk of further injury to the infant.