Which direction should the thrusts be delivered during abdominal thrusts?

Which direction should the thrusts be delivered during abdominal thrusts?

• A. Inward and upward
• B. Outward
• C. Downward
• D. Sideways

Answer: (A)

When clearing a blocked airway with abdominal thrusts, you apply quick inward and upward pressure to the upper abdomen. This direction compresses the abdomen against the diaphragm, creating a sudden rise in intrathoracic pressure that pushes air up through the airway, helping to dislodge the obstructing object. Position your hands one over the other on the abdomen, above the navel, and deliver short, forceful thrusts upward and inward until the blockage is expelled or the person becomes unresponsive. Directions like outward, downward, or sideways wouldn’t generate the necessary pressure toward the airway, so they aren’t effective for this maneuver. Abdominal thrusts are used for conscious adults and children over 1 year; if the person becomes unresponsive, call for help and begin CPR.

When clearing a blocked airway with abdominal thrusts, you apply quick inward and upward pressure to the upper abdomen. This direction compresses the abdomen against the diaphragm, creating a sudden rise in intrathoracic pressure that pushes air up through the airway, helping to dislodge the obstructing object. Position your hands one over the other on the abdomen, above the navel, and deliver short, forceful thrusts upward and inward until the blockage is expelled or the person becomes unresponsive. Directions like outward, downward, or sideways wouldn’t generate the necessary pressure toward the airway, so they aren’t effective for this maneuver. Abdominal thrusts are used for conscious adults and children over 1 year; if the person becomes unresponsive, call for help and begin CPR.