Basic Life Support (BLS) Practice Exam — Prep, Study Guide & Practice Questions

For a victim experiencing a severe airway obstruction, performing abdominal thrusts is the recommended intervention. This technique is critical because severe airway obstruction means that the airway is blocked to the extent that the victim is unable to breathe, cough, or speak effectively. Abdominal thrusts, also known as the Heimlich maneuver, create an artificial cough by increasing intra-abdominal pressure, which helps to expel the object blocking the airway.

Encouraging coughing is more appropriate for mild airway obstructions, where the victim is still able to breathe and the body can potentially expel the object. Giving rescue breaths would not be effective if the airway is completely blocked, as there would be no passage for air. Offering food or drink is contraindicated as it could worsen the obstruction or cause choking.

Therefore, abdominal thrusts are the immediate action needed to relieve severe airway obstruction, making it the correct choice in this scenario.