CNA Certification (Written Exam)Infection Control and SafetyMedium
A nurse aide is performing abdominal thrusts on a choking adult resident. Where should the aide place their fist to correctly perform the maneuver?
- ASlightly above the navel and below the rib cage
- BDirectly over the sternum (breastbone)
- COn the lower abdomen near the pelvis
- DDirectly on the resident's ribs
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Slightly above the navel and below the rib cage
The correct hand placement for abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) is slightly above the navel and well below the xiphoid process of the sternum. This positioning allows effective upward thrusts to dislodge an obstruction without causing injury to the ribs or sternum.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Incorrect; thrusts on the sternum are used for CPR chest compressions, not abdominal thrusts.
- C. Incorrect; too low placement is ineffective and can cause injury.
- D. Incorrect; placing a fist on the ribs risks fracture and is not the correct technique.
Abdominal Thrust Placement
For choking adults, thrusts should be delivered slightly above the navel and below the rib cage to dislodge an airway obstruction.
- Fist placed above navel, below xiphoid process
- Thrust direction is inward and upward
- Used for conscious choking adults and children over 1 year
Memory trick: Above the belly button, below the bone — that's where the thrust is thrown.