Procedure for clearing airway obstruction:

Appeared in: UP NHM CHO 7 Sept 2022 (Shift-2)

Explanation

The Heimlich manoeuvre, also known as abdominal thrusts, is the standard first-aid procedure for clearing a foreign body airway obstruction in a conscious person.
The technique involves applying sudden, upward pressure on the abdomen between the navel and ribcage.
This pressure forces air out of the lungs, creating an artificial cough strong enough to expel the obstructing object from the airway.
It is named after Dr. Henry Heimlich, who first described the procedure in 1974.

Option B: Pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is performed when a person is unconscious and not breathing or not breathing normally. It is not the initial intervention for a conscious person who is choking.
Option C: Airway obstruction is the medical term for the problem (choking), not the procedure used to resolve it.
Option D: Fowler's position is a semi-sitting position used to facilitate breathing and reduce pressure on the abdomen. It does not actively dislodge an obstruction.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Emergency management of foreign body airway obstruction (FBAO) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Rapidly distinguishing between a partial and complete airway obstruction is a critical nursing assessment. A person with a partial obstruction can still move some air and should be encouraged to cough, while a complete obstruction requires immediate intervention.
Nurses must be aware of modifications for special populations: chest thrusts are used for obese or pregnant individuals, and a combination of back blows and chest thrusts is used for infants.
Patient safety during the maneuver is paramount. Thrusts should be firm and directed inward and upward to avoid injury to internal organs.

How to Approach the Question

First, analyze the question's core request: it asks for a 'procedure' to 'clear' an obstruction.
Evaluate each option against this request.
Option A, 'Heimlich manoeuvre', is a specific, named procedure. This is a strong candidate.
Option B, 'Pulmonary resuscitation', is a broader term, and its primary use (CPR) is for a different clinical state (unresponsive, not breathing).
Option C, 'Airway obstruction', is a medical condition, not a procedure. Eliminate this as it doesn't fit the 'procedure' keyword.
Option D, 'Fowler's position', is a patient position, not an active clearing maneuver. Eliminate this.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Anatomy Applied Ashalatha 4e p. 96-98

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

E6 Comprehensive Textbook of Community Health Nursing for BSc Nursing Students Part 2 — Subpart B (pp 276-535 of 550) p. 182-184

Practise the full UP NHM CHO 7 Sept 2022 (Shift-2)

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