Your conscious patient has a mild partial airway obstruction. What should you do?

In cases of mild partial airway obstruction, the patient is typically able to speak, cough, and breathe, although with some difficulty. Encouraging the patient to cough is the appropriate response because it allows the individual to expel the obstruction through their own efforts. Coughing generates airflow and pressure that can help clear the airway, making it an effective and non-invasive method to resolve the issue.

While other interventions might be necessary in more severe cases of obstruction, they are not indicated for mild obstructions. Placing the patient supine could potentially worsen the situation if the obstruction is in the upper airway. Performing abdominal thrusts is reserved for a complete airway obstruction and can be harmful if used inappropriately, as it can cause injury. Administering back blows may also not be suitable in this situation unless the obstruction becomes severe, as it is more effective for those who cannot breathe or cough at all. Therefore, encouraging the patient to cough is the safest and most effective immediate action.