What should you do after monitoring a choking victim's signs?

Monitoring a choking victim's signs is essential to assess their condition and determine the appropriate response. After observing for signs of choking, the next logical step is to check their airway for obstructions. This action is crucial because it allows you to identify if the person is still choking or if their airway has become clear. Recognizing whether there is still a blockage is vital to deciding the subsequent steps, such as whether to continue administering first aid, such as the Heimlich maneuver or back blows, or to proceed to other measures like CPR if the victim becomes unresponsive.

Providing water could potentially worsen the situation, as it may lead to further choking. Asking the victim about their medical history is not immediately relevant in this urgent context, as it does not address the life-threatening situation they are in. Administering CPR is an appropriate response only if the choking has led to unresponsiveness and has no pulse, but it is not the immediate next step after monitoring their signs. Therefore, verifying whether the airway is obstructed provides the necessary clarity to act effectively in a situation that can quickly become critical.