Which of the following interventions is NOT appropriate for a patient with a complete airway obstruction?

Deep breathing exercises are not an appropriate intervention for a patient with a complete airway obstruction. In this scenario, the patient's airway is fully blocked, meaning they cannot breathe or make any sounds. Performing deep breathing exercises requires some level of airflow; thus, it would not assist the patient in clearing the obstruction or restoring their ability to breathe.

In contrast, interventions such as chest thrusts, back blows, and abdominal thrusts are designed specifically to create enough pressure or movement to dislodge an object causing the blockage, thereby reinstating the patient's airway. Understanding the situation and the nature of the obstruction are key to selecting the proper response, with deep breathing exercises being clearly ineffective in a case where the airway is completely obstructed.