For a conscious patient with a partial airway obstruction, which action is recommended?

• A. Abdominal thrusts.
• B. Begin CPR.
• C. Encourage coughing; do not interfere.
• D. Administer bronchodilator.

Answer: (C)

When the airway is only partially blocked and the person is conscious, the body’s natural cough reflex is the best tool to clear the obstruction. Encouraging the person to cough and not interrupting that effort gives them the chance to dislodge the object on their own. This approach avoids unnecessary maneuvers that could worsen the blockage or cause injury, since they can still move air and speak or cough.

Bronchodilators aren’t helpful for choking, and CPR isn’t started while the person is conscious with a partial blockage. If coughing fails, or the person loses the ability to speak or breathe, then escalate to appropriate choking procedures for a conscious individual (such as abdominal thrusts) and seek emergency help. If the person loses consciousness, start CPR.