Basic Life Support (BLS) Practice Exam

For which victim of a severe airway obstruction should abdominal thrusts be administered?

1. An infant

2. An elderly woman

3. An average-size 27-year-old man

4. A small child

The correct answer is: An average-size 27-year-old man

Abdominal thrusts, also known as the Heimlich maneuver, are indicated for victims of severe airway obstruction when they are conscious and able to grasp their throat or exhibit signs of distress due to choking. In adults, including an average-sized 27-year-old man, abdominal thrusts are the recommended procedure to relieve obstruction. The technique is applied effectively because the abdominal thrusts create an artificial cough, generating pressure that forces air from the lungs and can expel the obstructing object from the airway. This maneuver is particularly effective due to the size and anatomy of the average adult, which allows for enough force to dislodge a lodged object. For infants and small children, the approach changes to back blows and chest thrusts due to their smaller and more delicate body structure, which requires more caution and different techniques to avoid injury. In elderly individuals, factors such as frailty and potential underlying health conditions may also necessitate a modified approach depending on their physical capacity and the severity of the obstruction.