When performing an abdominal thrust on a conscious patient, place the thumb of the fist against the patient halfway between the ____ and the ____.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The correct hand placement for an abdominal thrust (Heimlich maneuver) on a conscious patient is placing the thumb side of your fist against the patient's abdomen midway between the navel and the lower end of the sternum (not the rib cage). This maximizes the pressure on the diaphragm to force air out of the lungs and expel the obstructing object. The pressure should not be applied over the rib cage or pelvis as it may cause injury. Placing the thumb in other areas such as the pharynx is incorrect and may cause further harm.

When Performing an Abdominal Thrust on a Conscious Patient, Place