Abdominal thrusts can cause what, and what is the recommended action?

• A. They relieve choking immediately; call emergency services.
• B. They stop bleeding; apply pressure.
• C. They can cause internal damage; advise the patient to see a doctor.
• D. They cure the underlying condition; monitor at home.

Answer: (C)

Abdominal thrusts can relieve an airway obstruction, but the forces used to dislodge a blockage can also cause internal injury to organs or tissues in the abdomen. Because of this risk, the safest next step after an episode is to have the person seen by a clinician to check for hidden injuries or delayed complications. This emphasizes patient safety: the maneuver can be life-saving, yet it isn’t without potential harm, so medical assessment helps ensure any damage is identified and managed.