Final answer:
The nurse assessed the resident's ability to breathe to identify a life-threatening problem. By assessing the resident's respiratory status, the nurse can determine if there is an obstruction and take appropriate action, such as starting CPR, to help the resident breathe.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse assessed the resident's ability to breathe to identify a life-threatening problem. In a choking situation, the resident's airway may be blocked, preventing them from breathing. By assessing the resident's respiratory status, the nurse can determine if there is an obstruction and take appropriate action, such as starting CPR, to help the resident breathe.