The Heimlich maneuver (abdominal thrust) is used for a client who has:

Appeared in: GMCH Nursing Officer-2025

Explanation

The Heimlich maneuver is a first-aid procedure specifically designed to treat upper airway obstructions, commonly known as choking.
It involves applying abdominal thrusts to create a forceful expulsion of air from the lungs.
This artificial cough generates enough pressure to dislodge a foreign object that is blocking the trachea or larynx.

Option A: A bloody nose (epistaxis) is a form of hemorrhage from the nasal cavity, not an airway obstruction. The treatment involves direct pressure and positioning, not abdominal thrusts.
Option C: A fall from a bed requires assessment for trauma, such as fractures, head injury, or internal bleeding. The Heimlich maneuver is irrelevant unless the patient also choked on something during the fall.
Option D: Impaired eyesight is a sensory deficit and has no connection to acute respiratory emergencies. It is a chronic or acute condition managed by an ophthalmologist.

Visual 1: Diagram - A clear illustration showing the correct hand placement for performing the Heimlich maneuver on a conscious adult (fist between the navel and ribcage, with the other hand grasping the fist).
Visual 2: Diagram - A comparative illustration showing the technique for infants (5 back blows and 5 chest thrusts) versus adults to highlight the safety differences.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Indication for the Heimlich maneuver (abdominal thrusts) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Recognizing the universal sign of choking (clutching the throat) is a critical skill for nurses to initiate immediate life-saving intervention.
It is vital to know the correct modifications of the technique for special populations, such as using chest thrusts for pregnant or obese individuals to prevent injury.
What if? - If a choking patient becomes unconscious, the intervention changes immediately. The nurse should stop abdominal thrusts, carefully lower the patient to the ground, and start Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), beginning with chest compressions.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key procedure in the question: 'Heimlich maneuver (abdominal thrust)'.
Recall the primary purpose of this procedure from your knowledge of basic life support and first aid.
The Heimlich maneuver is exclusively used for relieving a foreign body airway obstruction (choking).
Evaluate each option against this primary purpose.
Option A (bloody nose), C (fall), and D (impaired eyesight) are all medical issues unrelated to choking.
Option B (a blocked airway) directly matches the indication for the Heimlich maneuver.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full GMCH Nursing Officer-2025

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