ARRT Patient Care Practice Exam

What must be done if a patient has a viable airway obstruction but is conscious?

1. Perform chest compressions

2. Administer supplemental oxygen

3. Encourage the patient to cough

4. Initiate the Heimlich maneuver

The correct answer is: Initiate the Heimlich maneuver

When a patient has a viable airway obstruction but is conscious, the most appropriate action is to initiate the Heimlich maneuver, also known as abdominal thrusts. This maneuver is designed specifically to dislodge an obstruction in the airway by applying pressure under the diaphragm, which creates an upward force on the lungs. This force expels air and, ideally, the object causing the obstruction. Encouraging the patient to cough is generally useful for less severe obstructions where the patient can still breathe, speak, and cough effectively. However, if the obstruction is significant enough to cause distress and risk of respiratory failure, simply encouraging cough may not be effective or sufficient. Performing chest compressions is appropriate for cases where the patient is unresponsive and not breathing, which is not the situation for a conscious patient with a viable airway obstruction. Similarly, administering supplemental oxygen is not indicated in this urgent situation focused on clearing the airway, as it does not address the obstructive issue directly. Initiating the Heimlich maneuver directly targets the resolution of the obstruction, making it the most effective immediate response for a conscious patient experiencing a significant airway blockage.