BLS Hospital Corpsman Practice Exam

When an airway obstruction is suspected in an unconscious adult, the most appropriate action is to initiate CPR. This is because in an unconscious individual, the loss of consciousness can lead to an inability to effectively clear the airway or to respond to standard choking interventions such as back slaps or the Heimlich maneuver. Starting CPR serves two crucial functions: it helps to provide ventilation to the person and can also assist in dislodging the obstruction due to the chest compressions creating pressure in the thoracic cavity.

Additionally, while back slaps and the Heimlich maneuver are common techniques for conscious individuals experiencing choking, they are not appropriate for someone who is unconscious—these maneuvers rely on an upright position and the ability to respond to physical stimuli. Beginning rescue breaths assumes that the airway is clear enough to allow for successful ventilation, which may not be true if an obstruction is present. Therefore, CPR is a comprehensive approach that addresses both the need for circulation and potential airway clearance in an unconscious person.