What should be done if a patient shows signs of choking?

What should be done if a patient shows signs of choking?

• A. Give them water to drink
• B. Perform abdominal thrusts
• C. Wait for them to cough it out
• D. Encourage them to breathe deeply

Answer: (B)

When a patient shows signs of choking, the appropriate response is to perform abdominal thrusts, commonly known as the Heimlich maneuver. This technique is designed to create enough pressure in the abdomen to expel the object obstructing the airway. If a person is unable to breathe, cough, or make sounds, it indicates a severe airway obstruction, and immediate action is required to prevent potential asphyxiation and serious health consequences. Abdominal thrusts work by increasing intrathoracic pressure, which can force the foreign object out of the airway, allowing normal breathing to resume. It is especially critical to identify choking early and take swift action, as the lack of oxygen can lead to loss of consciousness and even death within a few minutes. The other options are ineffective responses to a choking emergency. Giving water to drink can worsen the situation by causing the object to lodge further or create more obstruction. Waiting for the patient to cough it out is only advisable if they can still breathe and make sounds; if they can't, immediate action is necessary. Encouraging deep breathing does not address the obstruction and can potentially lead to more harm because the object is not being removed, and the person may become more distressed.

When a patient shows signs of choking, the appropriate response is to perform abdominal thrusts, commonly known as the Heimlich maneuver. This technique is designed to create enough pressure in the abdomen to expel the object obstructing the airway. If a person is unable to breathe, cough, or make sounds, it indicates a severe airway obstruction, and immediate action is required to prevent potential asphyxiation and serious health consequences.

Abdominal thrusts work by increasing intrathoracic pressure, which can force the foreign object out of the airway, allowing normal breathing to resume. It is especially critical to identify choking early and take swift action, as the lack of oxygen can lead to loss of consciousness and even death within a few minutes.

The other options are ineffective responses to a choking emergency. Giving water to drink can worsen the situation by causing the object to lodge further or create more obstruction. Waiting for the patient to cough it out is only advisable if they can still breathe and make sounds; if they can't, immediate action is necessary. Encouraging deep breathing does not address the obstruction and can potentially lead to more harm because the object is not being removed, and the person may become more distressed.