What is the recommended response for a conscious patient with severe airway obstruction?

For a conscious patient experiencing severe airway obstruction, the recommended response involves using a combination of back blows and abdominal thrusts. This approach is effective because back blows can help to dislodge the obstruction by creating pressure in the airway and can also stimulate the patient to cough. The abdominal thrusts, often referred to as the Heimlich maneuver, apply force to the diaphragm, generating a rapid increase in airflow that can help expel the object causing the obstruction.

This method is specifically designed for situations where a person cannot breathe, speak, or cough effectively due to a blocked airway. The sequence of alternating back blows and abdominal thrusts maximizes the likelihood of clearing the obstruction while ensuring that the patient remains conscious and proactive.

In contrast, simply encouraging coughing and waiting is not advisable for severe obstruction, as the patient may not be able to effectively clear the airway on their own. Initiating CPR immediately is reserved for cases where the patient has lost consciousness and is unresponsive, while delivering high-flow oxygen is inappropriate in the context of a total airway blockage that prevents adequate airflow.

Thus, the combination of back blows followed by abdominal thrusts is the most appropriate and effective response for managing severe airway obstruction in a conscious patient.