Child Protection Investigation Specialist (CPIS) Practice Exam

Which of the following is a common cause of accidental deaths in children aged 0-6?

1. Poisoning

2. Suffocation

3. Bullying

4. Inadequate supervision

The correct answer is: Suffocation

Suffocation is recognized as a significant cause of accidental deaths in children aged 0-6. This age group is particularly vulnerable due to their developmental stage, where they may not be able to recognize danger in their environments. Infants and young children often explore their surroundings, and factors such as inappropriate bedding, the presence of soft toys in cribs, or the risk of entrapment in various household items can lead to suffocation incidents. Understanding this risk is crucial for caregivers and parents, as they need to implement safety measures that can dramatically reduce such hazards. This might include ensuring sleeping areas are safe, avoiding soft bedding, and ensuring that sleeping positions comply with safety guidelines to prevent asphyxiation. While other options such as poisoning, inadequate supervision, and bullying may lead to harm or fatal incidents, they do not have the same direct correlation to accidental deaths in the very young compared to the well-documented cases of suffocation. Poisoning and bullying, for example, typically involve different circumstances and prevention strategies that are not as immediate or prevalent in very young children. Inadequate supervision, while critical, often relates to a broader range of accidents but is less specific to the unique risks of suffocation.