Basic Life Support (BLS) Practice Exam

If a person is choking and becomes unresponsive, which of the following actions is essential?

1. Continue abdominal thrusts

2. Begin CPR immediately

3. Call for emergency services

4. Check for breathing first

The correct answer is: Begin CPR immediately

When a person is choking and becomes unresponsive, it is essential to begin CPR immediately. This is critical because once the person has lost responsiveness, their airway may be completely blocked, and they are unable to breathe or contribute to dislodging the obstruction themselves. CPR serves two primary purposes: it helps maintain blood circulation to vital organs and can potentially clear the airway. Performing compression during CPR can create changes in pressure within the chest cavity that might expel the object causing the obstruction. Additionally, combining chest compressions with rescue breaths can provide oxygen to the lungs, which is vital for survival. While calling for emergency services is important, CPR must be initiated without delay to maximize the chances of survival in this critical situation. Checking for breathing is also a step that typically precedes CPR; however, if the person is unresponsive due to choking, immediate action with CPR is the priority. Continuing abdominal thrusts is not appropriate once a person is unresponsive, as they cannot benefit from this maneuver.