Which action should be taken to clear a foreign body from the airway?

• A. Give oxygen at 15 L/min
• B. Clear any foreign body using suction or tweezers
• C. Tilt head back
• D. Use an oropharyngeal airway

Answer: (B)

When a foreign body is in the airway, the fastest way to restore breathing is to remove it if it is visible and accessible. If you can see the object in the mouth or throat, clear the airway with suction to remove saliva and debris, and gently grasp the object with tweezers or appropriate forceps to retrieve it. This direct removal addresses the obstruction itself and restores airflow rapidly, reducing the risk of further aspiration or complete blockage. Take care not to push the object deeper or probe blindly; suction helps clear the area and allows safe retrieval when possible. After removal, reassess breathing and airway patency and provide oxygen if needed. If the object cannot be removed safely or breathing worsens, summon help and proceed with further airway management or CPR if the patient becomes unresponsive. Oxygen alone won’t clear the obstruction, tilting the head back opens the airway but doesn’t remove the blockage, and inserting an oropharyngeal airway isn’t appropriate when a foreign body is present in the airway because it can move the object or provoke gagging.