Final answer:
The first action to establish a patent airway is the head-tilt, chin-lift method. Different steps are taken when a person is choking. Intubation is a procedure used to bypass a blocked respiratory system.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first action the nurse should take when using the airway, breathing, circulation approach to client care is to establish a patent airway by tilting the client's head back and pushing the lower jaw forward. This maneuver is called the head-tilt, chin-lift method. It is used to open the airway and ensure that the client can breathe properly.
In cases where a person is choking, different steps need to be taken. For infants, turning them upside down and slapping on the back may help dislodge the obstructing object. For older individuals, encouraging them to cough and giving hardback slaps can assist in forcing the lodged object out of the airway. If these steps fail, the Heimlich maneuver can be performed to further assist with removing the obstructing object.
The use of intubation is another method to maintain a patent airway in situations where part of the respiratory system is blocked or injured. During intubation, a plastic tube is inserted into the respiratory system to allow air to bypass the obstructed area and reach the lungs. This procedure is often performed by ambulance crews to ensure that a person can continue to breathe.