During CPR on a choking victim, what should you look for each time you open the airway?

During CPR on a choking victim, what should you look for each time you open the airway?

• A. The obstructing object
• B. The victim's pulse
• C. Blood oxygen level
• D. Full chest rise

Answer: (D)

When you open the airway and deliver a rescue breath, you’re confirming that air is actually entering the lungs. The best cue for that is a clear rise of the chest with each breath. If you don’t see chest rise, adjust the head position to open the airway, make sure you have a proper seal if using a mask, and give the breath again so air can reach the lungs. The presence of an obstructing object isn’t something you verify with each breath, and a pulse or a blood oxygen reading isn’t how you judge ventilation effectiveness during CPR. So, chest rise with each breath is the key indicator.

When you open the airway and deliver a rescue breath, you’re confirming that air is actually entering the lungs. The best cue for that is a clear rise of the chest with each breath. If you don’t see chest rise, adjust the head position to open the airway, make sure you have a proper seal if using a mask, and give the breath again so air can reach the lungs. The presence of an obstructing object isn’t something you verify with each breath, and a pulse or a blood oxygen reading isn’t how you judge ventilation effectiveness during CPR. So, chest rise with each breath is the key indicator.