What is the appropriate action for a conscious patient experiencing complete airway obstruction?

What is the appropriate action for a conscious patient experiencing complete airway obstruction?

• A. Perform abdominal thrusts immediately
• B. Encourage them to continue coughing
• C. Administer oxygen
• D. Call for emergency assistance

Answer: (B)

In the case of a conscious patient experiencing complete airway obstruction, the most appropriate action is to encourage them to continue coughing. Coughing is the body's natural response to clear an obstruction in the airway, and if the patient is able to cough effectively, they may be able to dislodge the object causing the blockage. This is especially crucial in cases where the obstruction is not complete, as strong coughs can generate sufficient pressure to expel the obstruction. While performing abdominal thrusts is a common maneuver in cases of severe obstruction, it is typically reserved for patients who are unable to cough, speak, or breathe. Encouraging coughing allows the patient to utilize their own body’s mechanisms before escalating to more invasive measures like abdominal thrusts. Administering oxygen is not a correct immediate action since the patient cannot breathe adequately due to the obstruction, and oxygen would not resolve the problem in this scenario. Calling for emergency assistance is important, but the priority should be on addressing the obstruction effectively if the patient is conscious and able to cough.

In the case of a conscious patient experiencing complete airway obstruction, the most appropriate action is to encourage them to continue coughing. Coughing is the body's natural response to clear an obstruction in the airway, and if the patient is able to cough effectively, they may be able to dislodge the object causing the blockage. This is especially crucial in cases where the obstruction is not complete, as strong coughs can generate sufficient pressure to expel the obstruction.

While performing abdominal thrusts is a common maneuver in cases of severe obstruction, it is typically reserved for patients who are unable to cough, speak, or breathe. Encouraging coughing allows the patient to utilize their own body’s mechanisms before escalating to more invasive measures like abdominal thrusts.

Administering oxygen is not a correct immediate action since the patient cannot breathe adequately due to the obstruction, and oxygen would not resolve the problem in this scenario. Calling for emergency assistance is important, but the priority should be on addressing the obstruction effectively if the patient is conscious and able to cough.