Foreign body airway obstruction — DIPIMC MCQ

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EasyResuscitationForeign body airway obstructionDIPIMC DipIMC

A man eating in a restaurant suddenly clutches his throat, cannot speak or cough effectively and is becoming distressed but is still conscious.

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: D — Give five back blows then five abdominal thrusts

Explanation lettering: D = shown as A · E = shown as C · A = shown as D · C = shown as E

Severe airway obstruction with an ineffective cough in a conscious adult is treated with cycles of five back blows alternating with five abdominal thrusts until the obstruction clears or the patient becomes unconscious. Encouraging coughing (B) is only appropriate while the cough is effective. A blind finger sweep (C) can push the object further in. Recognise an ineffective cough as the trigger to act.

Reference: Resuscitation Council UK 2025 (choking)