Which of the following is NOT an indication of airway obstruction?

A rapid heart rate is not an indication of airway obstruction because it can be a response to various physiological factors and does not specifically correlate with airway blockage. When someone experiences airway obstruction, the body typically responds in ways that directly relate to the difficulty in breathing or lack of oxygen, which can include the inability to talk, grasping at the throat to signify distress, or the skin turning bluish due to poor oxygenation.

In airway obstruction scenarios, the inability to talk indicates that the airway is significantly compromised, as speaking requires airflow through the vocal cords. Grasping and pointing to the throat is a common behavior indicating distress, suggesting that the individual is aware of a blockage. Additionally, skin turning bluish (cyanosis) is a physical manifestation of insufficient oxygen circulating in the bloodstream, signaling a serious issue requiring immediate attention.

While a rapid heart rate may occur in some cases due to distress or anxiety, it is not a direct sign of airway obstruction. Instead, it can occur in response to various conditions, making it less specific than the other indicators.