A 37-year-old male has an apparent foreign body airway obstruction. He is conscious and alert and is coughing forcefully. The most appropriate treatment for this patient includes:

• A. Attempt abdominal thrusts immediately.
• B. Begin CPR immediately.
• C. Deliver back blows.
• D. Encourage coughing and transport.

Answer: (D)

When someone with a foreign body airway obstruction is conscious, alert, and coughing forcefully, the airway is not completely blocked and the body is actively trying to clear the object. The correct approach is to support that natural clearing process by encouraging the person to continue coughing and by staying with them to monitor their breathing while arranging transport for further evaluation. Abdominal thrusts or back blows aren’t needed here because the patient is still able to cough and exchange air. If coughing stops or the person can’t breathe, speak, or shows signs of severe distress, that’s the time to escalate with abdominal or chest thrusts and, if they become unresponsive, begin CPR.