What intervention should a nurse implement for a responsive adult who is choking?

When a responsive adult is choking, the appropriate intervention involves a combination of back blows and abdominal thrusts. This method is designed to help expel the object obstructing the airway. The cycles of administering 5 back blows followed by 5 abdominal thrusts utilize the principles of increasing the pressure within the thoracic cavity to dislodge the object while also using an effective technique to apply force to the choking individual's abdomen.

Back blows help create airflow that can displace the obstruction by using the force of gravity, while the abdominal thrusts apply direct pressure to the diaphragm, enhancing the likelihood of expelling the foreign object. By alternating between these two approaches, the caregiver can maximize their effectiveness while also ensuring the patient's comfort and safety.

Other interventions, such as continuous back blows, would not be sufficient on their own, as they do not employ the strong, directed force needed to dislodge an item from an adult's airway. Continuous abdominal thrusts alone might also be ineffective without incorporating back blows; it’s essential to have a balanced approach to increase the chances of clearing the airway successfully. Performing CPR while checking the mouth is appropriate only after the person becomes unresponsive, not when they are still responsive and actively choking. Therefore, the correct answer