What initial action should be taken for a patient who is conscious and choking?

What initial action should be taken for a patient who is conscious and choking?

• A. Encourage them to drink water
• B. Perform chest compressions
• C. Encourage them to cough or begin abdominal thrusts if obstructed
• D. Lay them flat on their back

Answer: (C)

When a patient is conscious and choking, the initial action to take is to encourage them to cough or, if their airway is obstructed and they are unable to cough effectively, to begin abdominal thrusts. Coughing is a natural reflex that can help expel the object causing the obstruction. If the patient is unable to cough forcefully, abdominal thrusts, commonly known as the Heimlich maneuver, are the recommended intervention. This technique creates an upward pressure in the abdomen that can help dislodge a foreign object from the airway. Encouraging the patient to drink water is not advisable as it could potentially worsen the obstruction. Performing chest compressions is an action appropriate for unresponsive patients or those who have collapsed. Laying the patient flat on their back is also not appropriate as it may exacerbate the choking situation, making it harder for them to breathe or for rescuers to perform necessary interventions.

When a patient is conscious and choking, the initial action to take is to encourage them to cough or, if their airway is obstructed and they are unable to cough effectively, to begin abdominal thrusts. Coughing is a natural reflex that can help expel the object causing the obstruction. If the patient is unable to cough forcefully, abdominal thrusts, commonly known as the Heimlich maneuver, are the recommended intervention. This technique creates an upward pressure in the abdomen that can help dislodge a foreign object from the airway.

Encouraging the patient to drink water is not advisable as it could potentially worsen the obstruction. Performing chest compressions is an action appropriate for unresponsive patients or those who have collapsed. Laying the patient flat on their back is also not appropriate as it may exacerbate the choking situation, making it harder for them to breathe or for rescuers to perform necessary interventions.