Basic Life Support (BLS) Practice Exam

Which of the following is an example of mild foreign-body airway obstruction?

1. Coughing without wheezing

2. Wheezing between coughs

3. Sudden loss of breath

4. Excessive drooling

The correct answer is: Wheezing between coughs

Mild foreign-body airway obstruction is characterized by the presence of some airflow in the airway, allowing for effective cough reflexes. Coughing without wheezing indicates that the airway is not completely blocked, which is a hallmark of mild obstruction. During mild obstruction, the affected person can still cough effectively, which can help expel the foreign body and clear the airway. Wheezing typically suggests that there is some tightness or swelling in the airway, potentially indicating a more serious obstruction. Sudden loss of breath and excessive drooling may point to a more severe obstruction or other medical emergencies, which are not classified as mild. The ability to cough without distress and without wheezing is indicative of mild obstruction, while the other symptoms suggest a worsening condition.