CNA Certification (Written Exam)Infection Control and SafetyHard
A nurse aide is performing abdominal thrusts on a choking resident who is in the late stages of pregnancy. Which modification should the aide make to the standard technique?
- APerform chest thrusts instead of abdominal thrusts
- BSkip the maneuver and wait for EMS to arrive
- CPerform back blows only, never thrusts
- DPerform thrusts on the lower abdomen as usual
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Perform chest thrusts instead of abdominal thrusts
For pregnant or significantly obese choking victims, chest thrusts are used instead of abdominal thrusts because the enlarged abdomen makes standard abdominal thrusts ineffective and potentially harmful. Hands are placed on the center of the chest, similar to CPR compression location, and thrust inward.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Incorrect; immediate action is required, not waiting for EMS.
- C. Incorrect; back blows alone are insufficient; chest thrusts are the primary modification needed.
- D. Incorrect; abdominal thrusts are not effective or safe on a pregnant abdomen.
Choking Response in Pregnancy/Obesity
For pregnant or significantly obese choking victims, chest thrusts replace abdominal thrusts to safely clear an airway obstruction.
- Hands placed at center of chest, like CPR
- Abdominal thrusts are avoided in these cases
- Applies to visibly pregnant or very obese victims
Memory trick: Big belly, big change — chest thrusts take the stage.