With a conscious adult who has a foreign-body airway obstruction, what do you need to do/administer?

• A. Back blows
• B. Suction
• C. CPR
• D. Abdominal thrusts

Answer: (D)

Abdominal thrusts are the recommended action for a conscious adult with a foreign-body airway obstruction. This maneuver creates a sudden rise in intrathoracic pressure that helps eject the obstructing object from the airway. To perform it, stand behind the person, wrap your arms around their waist, place a fist just above the navel, grasp with the other hand, and thrust inward and upward with quick, repeated motions until the object is expelled or the person can cough effectively. If the person is pregnant or obese, use chest thrusts instead of abdominal thrusts.

If the obstruction is relieved, monitor and assist as needed. If the person becomes unresponsive, begin CPR immediately, look for and remove a visible object if seen, and continue CPR with rescue breaths. Avoid blind finger sweeps unless the object is clearly visible.