In supine position, which technique involves applying an inward and upward force on the epigastric area while avoiding direct force on the xiphoid process during cough?

In supine position, which technique involves applying an inward and upward force on the epigastric area while avoiding direct force on the xiphoid process during cough?

• A. PNF respiratory resistance technique
• B. Upper and lower chest compression technique
• C. Abdominal thrust (Heimlich-like maneuver)
• D. Lateral rib compression technique

Answer: (C)

This item tests how to enhance cough effectiveness in a supine patient by using abdominal thrust to boost expiratory force. The technique involves placing hands on the epigastric area and applying an inward and upward push. That pressure increases intra-abdominal and thoracic pressure, which helps expel air more forcefully from the lungs to clear the airway. Importantly, the force is directed to the abdomen rather than directly on the xiphoid process, reducing the risk of chest injury while still producing a strong expiratory effort. This differs from chest-focused techniques that compress the chest to raise pressure, or lateral rib techniques that involve side pressures. Those approaches don’t utilize the downward-upward abdominal thrust to generate the same targeted increase in expiratory flow. The described maneuver fits the supine context and the safety note about avoiding the xiphoid while augmenting cough.

This item tests how to enhance cough effectiveness in a supine patient by using abdominal thrust to boost expiratory force. The technique involves placing hands on the epigastric area and applying an inward and upward push. That pressure increases intra-abdominal and thoracic pressure, which helps expel air more forcefully from the lungs to clear the airway. Importantly, the force is directed to the abdomen rather than directly on the xiphoid process, reducing the risk of chest injury while still producing a strong expiratory effort.

This differs from chest-focused techniques that compress the chest to raise pressure, or lateral rib techniques that involve side pressures. Those approaches don’t utilize the downward-upward abdominal thrust to generate the same targeted increase in expiratory flow. The described maneuver fits the supine context and the safety note about avoiding the xiphoid while augmenting cough.