Which question should you ask to identify choking?

Which question should you ask to identify choking?

• A. Are you choking?
• B. Can you speak clearly?
• C. Are you dizzy?
• D. Are you in pain?

Answer: (A)

Directly asking the person if they are choking is the fastest way to confirm an airway obstruction. A simple, explicit question like “Are you choking?” gives a clear yes or no from the individual, guiding you on whether to start choking-response steps right away. If they answer yes or cannot respond, you treat it as choking and act promptly with appropriate interventions. Asking if they can speak clearly isn’t as reliable. A person who is partially blocked may still speak briefly, or fear may affect their responses, so this question doesn’t confirm choking as quickly or definitively. Questions about dizziness or pain don’t address whether the airway is blocked and don’t help you determine the immediate need for choking interventions.

Directly asking the person if they are choking is the fastest way to confirm an airway obstruction. A simple, explicit question like “Are you choking?” gives a clear yes or no from the individual, guiding you on whether to start choking-response steps right away. If they answer yes or cannot respond, you treat it as choking and act promptly with appropriate interventions.

Asking if they can speak clearly isn’t as reliable. A person who is partially blocked may still speak briefly, or fear may affect their responses, so this question doesn’t confirm choking as quickly or definitively. Questions about dizziness or pain don’t address whether the airway is blocked and don’t help you determine the immediate need for choking interventions.