For what is the Heimlich maneuver performed?

Appeared in: MP CHO-2020

Explanation

The Heimlich maneuver is a first-aid procedure specifically designed to treat upper airway obstructions caused by foreign objects.
Its primary and immediate goal is to dislodge and expel the blockage from the victim's airway.
The maneuver works by creating a forceful, artificial cough through abdominal thrusts, which increases intrathoracic pressure.
By clearing the airway, the maneuver allows the person to resume breathing.

Option A: Insufficient breathing is a symptom of the airway blockage, not the direct problem the maneuver addresses. The maneuver treats the cause (the blockage), which in turn resolves the insufficient breathing.
Option B: Improving circulation is the primary purpose of chest compressions during Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), not the Heimlich maneuver.
Option D: Effective ventilation is impossible while the airway is blocked. The Heimlich maneuver must be performed first to remove the obstruction, which then allows for effective ventilation to be restored.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain The primary purpose of the Heimlich maneuver in an emergency situation as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Recognizing the universal sign of choking (clutching the throat) is a critical nursing assessment skill that prompts immediate action.
Nurses must be proficient in BLS (Basic Life Support) protocols, which include knowing when and how to perform the Heimlich maneuver and when to transition to CPR if the victim becomes unresponsive.
What if the victim is a pregnant woman or a very large person? The technique is modified to chest thrusts instead of abdominal thrusts to avoid injury.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core concept of the question, which is the 'Heimlich maneuver'.
Recall the primary purpose of this specific emergency procedure from your nursing knowledge.
The Heimlich maneuver is synonymous with treating choking.
Evaluate the given options based on this primary purpose.
Option C directly states the goal of removing a blockage, which is the definition of treating choking.
Eliminate the other options: 'insufficient breathing' and 'ineffective ventilation' are consequences of the blockage, and 'improving circulation' relates to CPR, not choking.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: The primary purpose of the Heimlich maneuver in an emergency situation.
Stem keywords: Heimlich maneuver, performed
Lead-in keywords: For what

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E6 Anatomy Applied Ashalatha 4e p. 96-98

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Taylor p. 738-740

E6 Nursing Brunner Adult Health 3SA Vol 2 Part 3 p. 115-117

Practise the full MP CHO-2020

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.