A nurse is at a social event when another guest suddenly coughs weakly once, grasps her throat with her hands, and is unable to speak.
What action should the nurse take?
Assist the guest to the floor and begin mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
Perform the Heimlich maneuver on the guest.
Observe the guest before taking further action.
Slap the guest on the back several times.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
Assisting the guest to the floor and beginning mouth-to-mouth resuscitation is not the appropriate initial response. The guest’s symptoms indicate choking, and the Heimlich maneuver is the recommended first aid response.
Choice B rationale
The Heimlich maneuver is the correct response when someone is choking. The guest’s symptoms of a weak cough, inability to speak, and grasping the throat are classic signs of choking.
Choice C rationale
Observing the guest before taking further action is not appropriate in this situation. Immediate action is required to clear the guest’s airway.
Choice D rationale
Slapping the guest on the back is not the recommended response for choking in adults. It can potentially cause the object to become more deeply lodged in the throat.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections, crackles in the lungs can be a sign of various conditions, not just bacterial infections. Therefore, administering antibiotics is not the appropriate action based solely on the finding of crackles.
Choice B rationale
Limiting fluid intake can be beneficial for clients with certain conditions such as heart failure, but it is not the appropriate action based solely on the finding of crackles.
Choice C rationale
Initiating bedrest in semi-Fowler’s position can help improve lung expansion and ease breathing in clients with certain respiratory conditions. However, it is not the appropriate action based solely on the finding of crackles.
Choice D rationale
Crackles can sometimes be cleared by deep breathing and coughing. Repeating the auscultation after asking the client to breathe deeply and cough can help the nurse determine if the crackles are transient (cleared by coughing) or persistent.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Turning the patient on their side before starting oral care is a recommended practice when caring for an unresponsive patient. This position helps prevent aspiration, which can occur if the patient cannot swallow properly.
Choice B rationale
Applying petroleum jelly to the patient’s lips after oral care can help prevent dryness and cracking. However, it’s not the primary action the nurse should take when performing oral hygiene for an unresponsive patient.
Choice C rationale
Using the thumb and index finger to keep the patient’s mouth open is not recommended. It can cause discomfort and potential injury to the patient.
Choice D rationale
Using a stiff toothbrush to clean the patient’s teeth is not recommended. A soft toothbrush is usually used to clean the teeth of an unresponsive patient to prevent damage to the gums.
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