Which action is appropriate when assisting a choking victim?

When assisting a choking victim, it's crucial to quickly assess the situation before intervening. Asking the victim if they are choking serves as a way to gauge their ability to respond and understand their condition. If the person can speak, cough, or make noise, they may be experiencing an obstructed airway but still have some air flow, which can indicate they are not in immediate critical danger.

In cases where the person cannot respond, this could indicate severe choking, and immediate action would be required. However, approaching the situation with a question allows for a moment of assessment and can help guide the response based on the individual's condition.

The other options may lead to improper handling of the situation. Yelling at someone who is choking can cause panic and is unlikely to help the victim. Starting abdominal thrusts without first determining the severity of the blockage can be inappropriate and potentially harmful if the person is able to breathe. Leaving a choking victim alone to recover is dangerous, as they may need assistance if the situation worsens.