Heimlich maneuver is used for

Appeared in: BHU NO-2019

Explanation

The Heimlich maneuver, also known as abdominal thrusts, is a first-aid procedure for treating upper airway obstructions (choking).
It is specifically designed to expel a foreign object, such as a piece of food, that is lodged in the trachea or larynx, preventing the person from breathing.
The technique involves applying sudden, upward pressure on the abdomen, which forces air from the lungs to create an artificial cough and dislodge the object.

Option A: This option is incorrect because urethral stones are located in the urinary tract. The Heimlich maneuver applies pressure to the abdomen to clear the airway and has no effect on the urinary system.
Option B: This option is incorrect as the Heimlich maneuver is an airway clearance technique, not an obstetric procedure.
Option C: This option is incorrect because cardiac arrhythmias are electrical problems with the heart. The Heimlich maneuver is a physical procedure to clear a mechanical airway blockage.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain First-aid management of foreign body airway obstruction (FBAO) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses must be able to quickly recognize the universal sign of choking (clutching the throat) and other signs of severe airway obstruction (inability to speak, cough, or breathe) to initiate the Heimlich maneuver immediately.
Prompt intervention is critical to prevent hypoxia, anoxic brain injury, and death.
It is crucial to differentiate choking from other emergencies like a heart attack or stroke, as performing the maneuver unnecessarily can cause internal injuries like rib fractures or damage to the liver or spleen.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question testing your knowledge of a specific first-aid procedure.
First, identify the core concept in the stem: 'Heimlich maneuver'.
Recall the primary purpose of this maneuver from your nursing or first-aid training. It is fundamentally an emergency response to choking.
Evaluate each option to see which one aligns with clearing a blocked airway.
Options A, B, and C relate to the urinary, reproductive, and cardiovascular systems, respectively. These are incorrect body systems for this procedure.
Option D, 'Removal of foreign body from trachea,' directly describes clearing an airway obstruction, which is the correct and sole purpose of the Heimlich maneuver.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Anatomy Applied Ashalatha 4e p. 96-98

E6 Ghai Essential Pediatrics(pp 26-904 of 913) p. 776-778

Practise the full BHU NO-2019

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