ARRT Patient Care Practice Exam

In which situation is the Heimlich maneuver indicated?

1. Cardiac arrest

2. Choking

3. Seizure

4. Hiccups

The correct answer is: Choking

The Heimlich maneuver is specifically indicated in situations where a person is choking, meaning they have an obstruction in their airway that is preventing them from breathing effectively. This emergency procedure aims to expel the foreign object causing the blockage by creating an upward thrust in the abdomen. In the context of choking, the Heimlich maneuver serves to generate sufficient pressure to dislodge the object from the airway, which can be critical in preventing asphyxiation. Understanding the signs of choking, such as inability to speak, difficulty breathing, or the patient showing signs of distress, is essential for effectively applying this life-saving technique. The other situations presented do not call for this intervention. Cardiac arrest requires immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) rather than the Heimlich maneuver. Seizures involve a different set of responses aimed at protecting the patient and ensuring their safety, rather than addressing airway obstruction. Hiccups are a benign condition that typically resolves on their own and does not necessitate such an emergency intervention as the Heimlich maneuver.