CNA Certification (Written Exam)Infection Control and SafetyHard
A conscious resident in the dining room suddenly clutches their throat and cannot speak or cough. What should the nurse aide do first?
- APerform abdominal thrusts immediately
- BLay the resident flat on the floor right away
- CGive the resident water to help clear the airway
- DAsk the resident if they are choking, then call for help and act
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Ask the resident if they are choking, then call for help and act
When a resident shows the universal choking sign (clutching the throat) and cannot speak or cough, the aide should first confirm choking by asking, then call for help while beginning abdominal thrusts if the airway is fully obstructed. Confirming choking prevents unnecessary intervention if the resident can still breathe or cough.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Thrusts should follow confirmation that the airway is completely blocked.
- B. Laying the resident flat is not appropriate for a conscious choking victim; thrusts are performed standing or sitting.
- C. Giving water to a choking person can worsen the obstruction.
Conscious Choking Response
For a conscious choking resident, confirm the obstruction, call for help, and perform abdominal thrusts if the airway is fully blocked and the person cannot speak, cough, or breathe.
- Universal sign: hands clutching the throat
- Ask 'Are you choking?' to confirm before acting
- Abdominal thrusts used only for complete obstruction while conscious
Memory trick: Ask, then Act - confirm before you thrust