Chest thrusts are primarily used for which of the following?

Chest thrusts are primarily indicated for very obese clients who are choking. This technique is specifically designed to provide effective relief in situations where traditional abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) may not be feasible or effective due to the body composition of the individual. When someone is very obese, the anatomical positioning and amount of tissue may make abdominal thrusts less successful in generating the necessary pressure to expel an obstruction in the airway.

In these cases, chest thrusts can be utilized to deliver the force needed to potentially dislodge the object causing the choking. They involve delivering quick, inward and upward thrusts above the breasts to compress the chest, which increases pressure in the thoracic cavity and can help push the obstruction out.

While other reasons might involve choking or respiratory distress, such as in children or clients with severe allergic reactions, these situations typically do not require the specialized technique of chest thrusts that is best suited for obstructions in very obese individuals.