Final answer:
When a long-term care nurse finds a resident unconscious after choking, they should initiate chest compressions as part of CPR if the person cannot breathe and the heart has stopped. Compressions should be deep and rapid, aligning with the current CPR guidelines.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a long-term care nurse finds a resident unconscious after choking in the dining room, the following actions should be considered. After positioning the client on their back, the first thing to check is whether the person can breathe by looking, listening, and feeling for breathing. If not, the nurse should then proceed with emergency procedures. If the choking has led to a stopped heart or the person is not breathing, initiating cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is the critical next step. According to current guidelines, CPR should begin with chest compressions over artificial respiration. The proper positioning for chest compressions is on the sternum between the lines at T4 and T9, as noted in previous references. Chest compressions should be at least 5 cm deep and at a rate of 100 compressions per minute, which coincides with the tempo of the song "Staying Alive" by the Bee Gees.
In a situation where the rescuer is alone without immediate help, they should perform CPR immediately before calling for emergency services if the patient is an adult. In a situation involving an infant or child, one should seek to alert emergency services first, then return to provide CPR. CPR should be continued until medical help arrives, the person begins to breathe on their own, or a qualified healthcare professional can take over and make further decisions regarding the person's care.