MCQ – 87821

Correct Answer � D Explanation

Ans – d : Heimlich maneuver

• Aphonia (inability to speak) and sudden respiratory distress in a young boy while having food, suggests obstruction of the airway with a large bolus of food. 

• Heimlich’s maneuver is the recommended, initial procedure of choice for relieving airway obstruction due to solid objects. 

•  Cricothyroidotomy or tracheostomy should be performed if Heimlich’s maneuver fails.

Laryngeal foreign body:

• A large bolus of food obstructed above the cords may make the patient totally aphonic, unable to cry for help. 

• He may die of asphyxia unless immediate first aid measures are taken. 

• The measures consist of pounding on the back, turning the patient upside down and following Heimlich manoeuvre.

• These measures should not be done if the patient is only partially obstructed, for fear of causing total obstruction.

Heimlich manoeuvre:

• Stand behind the person and place your arms around his lower chest and give four abdominal thrusts. 

• The residual air in the lungs may dislodge the foreign body providing some airway.