What should you do if a patient is choking but can still cough?

Encouraging a patient who is choking but can still cough to continue coughing is the appropriate response because it allows them to utilize their own natural reflex to expel the obstruction from their airway. Coughing is an effective way for the patient to generate the necessary force to dislodge the object. When a person can still cough, it indicates that their airway is only partially obstructed and that they are still able to breathe, albeit with difficulty.

Administering abdominal thrusts or back blows would be inappropriate in this scenario since those interventions are intended for situations where a patient cannot cough or breathe at all, indicating a complete blockage of the airway. Calling for emergency services is not necessary at this stage, as the patient is capable of handling the situation through their cough reflex. Hence, supporting the patient's coughing efforts is the best course of action.