Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

What is an EXCEPTION to the signs of a sudden severe upper airway obstruction?

1. Labored breathing

2. Forceful coughing

3. Stridor

4. Inability to speak

The correct answer is: Forceful coughing

In the context of sudden severe upper airway obstruction, understanding the signs that typically manifest is crucial. Labored breathing, stridor, and inability to speak are all consistent indications of a significant obstruction. These symptoms arise because the airway is compromised, leading to difficulty in airflow, which results in labored or noisy breathing, pronounced breathing effort, and an inability to vocalize. Forceful coughing stands out as an exception because it can indicate a partial obstruction rather than a complete one. In cases of a complete upper airway obstruction, the individual is often unable to vocalize or cough effectively, leading to a silent struggle. Forceful coughing generally suggests that the airway is not fully blocked, allowing the person to attempt to clear it. This distinction makes forceful coughing the exception to the typical signs associated with severe upper airway obstruction.