What action should you take for a 19-year-old female who is choking, drowsy, and unable to cough?

In the case of a 19-year-old female who is choking, drowsy, and unable to cough, performing abdominal thrusts is the appropriate action to take. The inability to cough indicates that the airway is likely partially or completely obstructed, thus requiring intervention to remove the obstruction. Abdominal thrusts, also known as the Heimlich maneuver, generate intra-abdominal pressure that can help expel the object causing the choking.

In this scenario, the patient's drowsiness suggests a potentially serious level of distress or hypoxia, further emphasizing the urgency of clearing the airway. Abdominal thrusts can help restore airflow and prevent loss of consciousness or further complications. Administering oxygen or inserting an airway adjunct, while potentially beneficial in other situations, would not address the immediate threat of the obstructed airway and may not be effective if the obstruction is not resolved first. Back blows might not create enough pressure to dislodge a significant object, especially in someone who is drowsy and at risk for loss of consciousness.