New York State Basic Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-B) Practice Exam

In emergency care, what is an appropriate response during CPR for a patient with a suspected airway obstruction?

1. Begin rescue breathing immediately

2. Perform abdominal thrusts

3. Monitor the pulse only

4. Continue chest compressions uninterrupted

The correct answer is: Perform abdominal thrusts

In cases of suspected airway obstruction, performing abdominal thrusts is the appropriate response. This technique is designed to expel an object blocking the airway by applying pressure to the abdomen, forcing air from the lungs and potentially dislodging whatever is causing the obstruction. This is critical because it addresses the immediate threat to the patient's life posed by the blocked airway, which is essential for effective breathing and circulation. Beginning rescue breathing immediately would be inappropriate in this scenario because if the airway is obstructed, there is no effective way to ventilate the patient, potentially leading to further complications. Monitoring the pulse alone does not address the immediate problem of the obstruction; it overlooks the necessity of securing the airway. Continuing chest compressions uninterrupted is essential in certain scenarios, particularly when the patient is in cardiac arrest, but if an airway obstruction is suspected, the priority should be resolving that blockage first to restore normal respiratory function and oxygenation.