Final answer:
A nursing assistant should use the Heimlich maneuver to assist a choking resident. CPR is reserved for situations where the heart has stopped and is inappropriate for an obstruction of the airway due to choking. Proper training in the Heimlich maneuver and CPR is necessary to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a resident is choking, the procedure a nursing assistant should use to help him is the Heimlich maneuver. Oxygen therapy, defibrillation, and CPR are not the correct methods to assist someone who is choking. The Heimlich maneuver is designed to force the obstructing object out of the person's airway. When a person is choking, they are unable to speak, breathe properly, and may clutch at their throat. If the Heimlich maneuver fails to clear the airway, it is critical to call for emergency medical care immediately.
It is essential to note that CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, should only be used if the person's heart has stopped, and after the choking obstruction has been cleared, if necessary. CPR involves compressions to the sternum between the T4 and T9 vertebrae to manually pump blood through the heart and into the body's circulation, particularly to the brain. High-quality chest compressions are crucial, and the technique requires proper training to avoid severe injury to the patient.