Question

You are alone in the dining room feeding a resident who eats slowly. She begins to choke, her hands go up to her throat, and she is unable to speak. You should...

a. lay her on the floor and start CPR
b. hurry out into the hall to get help
c. find the charge nurse and report to him
d. move behind her and begin the abdominal thrust procedure

Answer 1

In the scenario where a resident is choking and cannot speak or breathe properly, you should perform the Heimlich maneuver by quickly applying upward abdominal thrusts from behind. If the resident becomes unconscious, lay them down and begin CPR while calling for emergency assistance.

Step-by-step explanation:

If you encounter a resident who is choking, it is crucial to act quickly and efficiently. Since the resident cannot speak, breathe properly, and is indicating distress by placing her hands on her throat, you should immediately proceed with the Heimlich maneuver. Here's what you should do:

1. Stand or kneel behind the resident.
2. Wrap your arms around their waist, making sure you are above their navel but below their ribcage.
3. Form a fist with one hand and hold it with your other hand.
4. Press into their abdomen with a quick upward thrust.
5. Repeat the thrusts until the obstruction is dislodged, or the person becomes unconscious.

If the person becomes unconscious, you would then lay them down and start CPR, and call for emergency medical help immediately. It's essential to have proper training for providing the Heimlich maneuver and CPR to ensure safety and effectiveness.