CNA Certification (Written Exam)Infection Control and SafetyMedium
A nurse aide is serving a resident their meal when the resident suddenly grabs their throat, is unable to speak, and their face is turning blue. What is the nurse aide's immediate action?
- AEncourage the resident to cough forcefully.
- BOffer water to help clear the obstruction.
- CCall for the nurse and wait for assistance.
- DPerform abdominal thrusts.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Perform abdominal thrusts.
The resident's signs (grabbing throat, inability to speak, turning blue) indicate a complete airway obstruction, which is a medical emergency. Abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) are the appropriate immediate intervention for a conscious adult with a complete airway obstruction.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. If unable to speak, the resident cannot cough forcefully, indicating a complete obstruction where coughing is ineffective.
- B. Offering water is dangerous and can worsen choking by pushing the obstruction further or causing aspiration.
- C. Waiting for assistance delays critical intervention; immediate action is required for a complete airway obstruction.
Conscious Choking Response
For a conscious adult with a complete airway obstruction, abdominal thrusts are the immediate life-saving intervention.
- Signs of complete obstruction: inability to speak, cough, or breathe; grasping throat.
- Perform until obstruction is cleared or person becomes unconscious.
- Call for help after beginning thrusts or if intervention is unsuccessful.
Memory trick: Thrust, Then Talk, Then Triage.