If a person successfully coughs up an object after abdominal thrusts, what should you do next?

After a person successfully coughs up an object following abdominal thrusts, monitoring their condition closely is crucial. Once an airway obstruction is relieved, there may still be residual effects such as swelling or irritation in the airway. These factors could lead to breathing difficulties or secondary complications, so continual observation is necessary to ensure the person’s airway remains clear and they do not exhibit signs of distress or return of the obstruction.

While providing water may seem like a good idea for helping soothe the throat, it can also pose a risk, especially if the person is still experiencing breathing issues. Similarly, moving them to an upright position should generally be done cautiously and typically assumes they are already in a suitable position post-choking. Leaving a person alone after they have had a serious incident may neglect their potential need for further assistance or medical evaluation. Thus, maintaining close supervision allows for prompt action should any complications arise.