For a conscious patient with suspected airway obstruction in a dental setting, which sequence is recommended?

• A. Call for help, encourage coughing; back blows and abdominal thrusts if obstruction persists.
• B. Provide oxygen only and wait for symptoms to resolve.
• C. Begin CPR immediately.
• D. Administer antihistamine and observe.

Answer: (A)

When a conscious patient has a suspected airway obstruction, the priority is to relieve the blockage while keeping the airway open and the person as comfortable as possible. The most effective initial step is to encourage a strong cough, since a vigorous cough can dislodge the object on its own. At the same time, call for help so trained staff and equipment are available if the obstruction doesn’t clear promptly. If coughing fails to clear the blockage and the person cannot breathe well, speak, or cough effectively, you move to external abdominal thrusts to raise the pressure in the chest and force the object out. Back blows may be used in some situations, but the goal remains to expel the obstructing item while continuing to monitor the patient. Do not rely on oxygen alone or wait for symptoms to resolve, and do not start CPR while the patient remains conscious and breathing; CPR is for when the person becomes unconscious or stops breathing.