Describe the primary intervention for a patient with a suspected choke.

In cases of suspected choking, the primary intervention is to administer back blows and abdominal thrusts, which are both effective techniques for expelling the obstruction from the airway. This approach directly addresses the immediate risk posed by the object blocking the airway and is widely accepted in emergency care protocols, such as those recommended by organizations like the American Heart Association.

Encouraging the patient to cough can be helpful if the patient is able to breathe and cough effectively, as the force of a cough can sometimes dislodge a minor obstruction. However, it is not sufficient if the patient is unable to cough forcefully due to the severity of the obstruction.

Providing fluids would not be effective in resolving choking and can even complicate the situation, as attempting to swallow fluids could potentially worsen the obstruction and increase the risk of aspiration.

While the Heimlich maneuver is a recognized procedure for choking, it is part of the broader technique of abdominal thrusts. Saying "perform the Heimlich maneuver only" suggests a limitation of options that can be employed in different scenarios, such as adjusting techniques based on the age and condition of the patient. Thus, the comprehensive approach of combining back blows and abdominal thrusts is the most effective intervention to ensure the obstruction is removed and the airway is cleared