A very large man in a restaurant is clutching his throat and unable to speak. What is the recommended action?

A very large man in a restaurant is clutching his throat and unable to speak. What is the recommended action?

• A. Encourage him to cough
• B. Perform abdominal thrusts
• C. Administer back blows
• D. Call for emergency assistance

Answer: (A)

In a situation where an individual is clutching their throat and is unable to speak, this typically indicates a severe airway obstruction. The recommended action in such scenarios is to perform abdominal thrusts. This maneuver is specifically designed to expel any obstruction from the airway. Encouraging the person to cough may not be effective if they are unable to speak or breathe properly. Coughing can help clear the airway in cases of mild obstruction; however, in cases where the obstruction is severe enough to inhibit speech or cause struggling for breath, immediate action is required. Abdominal thrusts create pressure in the abdomen that forces air upward, potentially dislodging the object causing the blockage. Therefore, performing abdominal thrusts is the correct and most appropriate action to take in this situation to ensure the person receives timely assistance in clearing their airway obstruction.

In a situation where an individual is clutching their throat and is unable to speak, this typically indicates a severe airway obstruction. The recommended action in such scenarios is to perform abdominal thrusts. This maneuver is specifically designed to expel any obstruction from the airway.

Encouraging the person to cough may not be effective if they are unable to speak or breathe properly. Coughing can help clear the airway in cases of mild obstruction; however, in cases where the obstruction is severe enough to inhibit speech or cause struggling for breath, immediate action is required.

Abdominal thrusts create pressure in the abdomen that forces air upward, potentially dislodging the object causing the blockage. Therefore, performing abdominal thrusts is the correct and most appropriate action to take in this situation to ensure the person receives timely assistance in clearing their airway obstruction.