National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) Practice Test

During abdominal thrusts to a conscious victim who has complete airway obstruction, the hands should be placed ____________________________.

1. On the lower rib cage

2. Above the navel

3. Below the rib cage

4. At the collarbone

The correct answer is: Above the navel

The correct placement of the hands during abdominal thrusts for a conscious victim with a complete airway obstruction is just above the navel. This specific location is crucial because it allows for effective upward movement of the diaphragm, which is necessary to generate the pressure needed to expel the obstructing object from the airway. When the hands are positioned above the navel, the thrusts create a force directed toward the chest, which is essential in dislodging a foreign object that is causing the blockage. This technique relies on the mechanics of the abdominal cavity and the diaphragm to exert sufficient pressure upward, thereby increasing the likelihood of clearing the airway. Other possible placements, such as on the lower rib cage, below the rib cage, or at the collarbone, would not provide the same mechanical advantage and could potentially lead to ineffective thrusts or even injury to the victim if performed incorrectly.