Georgia Virtual School (GAVS) Health Exam

What should you do for a conscious adult who is choking and cannot cough, speak, or breathe?

1. Give abdominal thrusts only

2. Give 5 back blows and 5 abdominal thrusts

3. Call for help immediately

4. Encourage them to drink water

The correct answer is: Give 5 back blows and 5 abdominal thrusts

When an adult is conscious and exhibiting signs of choking but cannot cough, speak, or breathe, it is crucial to address the situation effectively to remove the obstruction. Administering five back blows followed by five abdominal thrusts is an established method for aiding someone who is choking. Back blows can help dislodge the object blocking the airway by using the force of the blows to create pressure and potentially shift the obstruction. Following this with abdominal thrusts, also known as the Heimlich maneuver, increases the likelihood of expelling the object from the airway entirely due to the forceful upward movement created by the thrusts. This combined approach is a recommended protocol in emergency situations to provide immediate relief and restore proper breathing. The other options, while they may seem helpful, do not effectively address the choking emergency. Simply giving abdominal thrusts alone may be insufficient, as back blows can help in certain situations. Calling for help is important but should be done as part of the action rather than a standalone response. Encouraging someone to drink water is ineffective and potentially dangerous, as it may lead to further obstruction. Hence, the combination of back blows and abdominal thrusts is the most appropriate response.