During abdominal thrusts, what is a key step before giving thrusts?

• A. Call for help
• B. Place hands below the navel and above the ribs
• C. Start with back blows
• D. Ask the resident if he can speak

Answer: (D)

In choking situations, quickly checking whether the person can speak or cough guides what to do next. If the person can speak or cough, the airway isn’t completely blocked, so you’d encourage coughing and monitor the situation. If they cannot speak or produce sound, that’s a sign of severe airway obstruction and you proceed with abdominal thrusts. This quick question serves as the deciding step to determine whether thrusts are needed. While calling for help is important, you determine the need for the thrusts first by confirming their ability to speak. The other actions—like the exact hand placement during the maneuver or starting with back blows—are part of the technique or sequence that come after deciding that abdominal thrusts are indicated.