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Oral Surgery · single question

A patient slips a foreign object down their throat and shows clear signs of acute respiratory distress/choking. What should be done immediately?

  1. Perform the Heimlich maneuver
  2. Refer for a chest X-ray before taking any other action
  3. Administer oxygen only, with no other intervention
  4. Reassure the patient and observe for several minutes before acting
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. Perform the Heimlich maneuver

When a patient shows clear signs of acute airway obstruction/choking (active respiratory distress), the Heimlich maneuver should be performed immediately to attempt to dislodge the object and clear the airway — imaging and other diagnostic steps are appropriate only once any immediate airway emergency has been addressed.

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