American Lifeguard Practice Exam

For a conscious adult who is choking, where should you position your hands to perform abdominal thrusts?

1. At the base of the throat.

2. In the middle of the abdomen just above the navel.

3. On the ribcage.

4. On the lower back.

The correct answer is: In the middle of the abdomen just above the navel.

When performing abdominal thrusts for a conscious adult who is choking, positioning your hands in the middle of the abdomen just above the navel is critical for effectiveness and safety. This area is where the diaphragm is located, and applying upward pressure here generates the force necessary to expel the obstruction blocking the airway. During the maneuver, the upward thrust creates an increase in abdominal pressure, which aids in dislodging the foreign object. It’s essential to ensure that the hands are placed properly to maximize the effectiveness of the thrusts while minimizing the risk of injury to the individual being assisted. Other positions such as at the base of the throat, on the ribcage, or on the lower back would not effectively apply the needed pressure to the diaphragm and could pose risks, such as causing injury or failing to remove the obstruction altogether. Correct placement of the hands directly correlates with the success of the procedure.