What is the immediate management of an adult with a foreign body airway obstruction who cannot speak or cough?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. Back blows followed by abdominal thrusts
- Step 1: Severe obstruction needs immediate relief.
- Step 2: Alternate five back blows and five abdominal thrusts.
Answer
Back blows followed by abdominal thrusts.
Why not the others: 'Offer water to help swallowing' can worsen obstruction; 'Wait for the patient to cough' is unsafe if cough is ineffective; 'Blind finger sweeps of the mouth' can push the object deeper.
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