If a 19-year-old male with a severe airway obstruction becomes unresponsive, what should you do after placing him in a supine position?

When a 19-year-old male with severe airway obstruction becomes unresponsive, placing him in a supine position is crucial for assessing his condition and initiating the appropriate response. In this scenario, beginning CPR with chest compressions is correct.

When a person is unresponsive and unable to breathe due to airway obstruction, it indicates that oxygen is not getting to the lungs. As the heart needs a constant supply of oxygenated blood to function, chest compressions help maintain blood circulation to vital organs, including the brain, until the obstruction can be resolved.

Starting CPR immediately also allows for potential airway management techniques through chest compressions, which can sometimes dislodge the obstruction. High-quality chest compressions are essential in this situation because time is critical; the longer the oxygen deprivation lasts, the more damage the brain may sustain.

Other responses, such as checking for a pulse, administering rescue breaths, or performing further abdominal thrusts, are not appropriate in this context. Checking for a pulse is important but should be integrated with CPR measures rather than delaying action. Administering rescue breaths may not be effective because the airway is blocked, preventing effective ventilation. Continuing abdominal thrusts is also unsuitable, as the victim is unresponsive and this method should only be