Airway Obstruction and Choking Flashcards

What sound may a person with a partial airway obstruction make?

Answer: Wheezing or high-pitched stridor

A partial obstruction often produces wheezing or stridor as air squeezes past the blockage.

How do you perform abdominal thrusts on yourself if choking alone?

Answer: Press your own fist into your abdomen or lean over a firm object like a chair back

A lone choking victim can self-administer thrusts with their fist or by thrusting the abdomen over a firm edge.

After successfully relieving a choking episode, what should be considered?

Answer: Medical evaluation for possible internal injury or retained material

Medical follow-up is advised because thrusts can cause injury or some material may remain in the airway.

What is the correct hand technique for delivering abdominal thrusts?

Answer: Make a fist, grasp it with the other hand, and thrust inward and upward

Abdominal thrusts use a fist grasped by the other hand, thrusting inward and upward into the abdomen.

Why does the Heimlich maneuver help expel an object?

Answer: It forces air out of the lungs to push the object up

Abdominal thrusts increase pressure under the diaphragm, forcing residual air upward to dislodge the object.

A choking victim turns blue around the lips. What does this indicate?

Answer: Cyanosis from lack of oxygen, a sign of severe obstruction

Bluish discoloration (cyanosis) signals inadequate oxygenation from a severe airway obstruction.

What should you do between each abdominal thrust?

Answer: Deliver each as a separate, distinct thrust to dislodge the object

Each abdominal thrust is given as a separate, deliberate effort to dislodge the obstruction.