Which of the following is a common cause of choking in young children?

The correct answer encompasses all the listed items—candy and snacks, raw vegetables, and large chunks of meat—because each of these can pose a choking hazard for young children.

Young children, especially those under the age of four, tend to explore their environments orally, and they often do not chew food adequately or may try to swallow food items that are too large for their throats. Candy and many types of snacks, such as popcorn or nuts, can be particularly troublesome because they are often hard or have awkward shapes that can easily obstruct a child’s airway. Raw vegetables can be difficult for young children to chew effectively; their firmness can lead to choking if not cut into appropriately small pieces. Similarly, large chunks of meat are also a significant risk because they may not be easily broken down by the child’s molars, which are not fully developed, leading to potential airway blockages.

Understanding that these items collectively represent common choking hazards helps caregivers and guardians take appropriate precautions when providing food to young children. It's crucial to ensure that food is cut into manageable sizes and that children are supervised while eating to mitigate the risks associated with these choking hazards.