Which technique is recommended for adults when a severe airway obstruction is suspected?

When a severe airway obstruction is suspected in adults, performing abdominal thrusts is the recommended technique because it is specifically designed to remove a foreign object that is blocking the airway. This method involves applying quick, inward and upward pressure on the abdomen, which forces air from the lungs to expel the obstruction.

The effectiveness of abdominal thrusts lies in their ability to generate enough pressure to push the object out of the airway, facilitating breathing once the obstruction is removed. This technique is particularly crucial in emergency situations where the victim is unable to breathe, cough, or speak, indicating a serious risk.

The other options, such as sitting the victim upright, giving rescue breaths, or encouraging the victim to drink water, do not directly address the immediate need to clear an obstruction. While sitting upright may provide some comfort, it does not relieve the obstruction. Rescue breaths are intended for individuals not breathing but capable of an open airway, and encouraging the victim to drink water could exacerbate the situation by further blocking the airway. Thus, abdominal thrusts are clearly the most effective and recommended approach in cases of severe airway obstruction.