A nurse is attending a social gathering when another guest suddenly coughs weakly once, grasps her throat with her hands, and cannot talk. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Assist the guest to the floor and begin mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
Slap the guest on the back several times.
Perform the Heimlich maneuver on the guest.
Observe the guest before taking further action.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Assist the guest to the floor and begin mouth-to-mouth resuscitation: The airway is still obstructed, and rescue breathing is not effective until the obstruction is cleared.
B. Slap the guest on the back several times: Back slaps are not recommended for adults with complete airway obstruction as they may worsen the blockage.
C. Perform the Heimlich maneuver on the guest: Grasping the throat and inability to talk indicate a complete airway obstruction, requiring immediate abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) to clear the airway.
D. Observe the guest before taking further action: Delaying intervention in the presence of complete obstruction can lead to respiratory arrest. Immediate action is required.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Take a good nap: While rest is important, shallow breathing and irritability may indicate inadequate ventilation, which won't improve solely with sleep.
B. Turn, cough, and deep breathe: This helps open the airways, promotes alveolar expansion, and clears secretions, which may improve oxygenation and reduce restlessness.
C. Submit to a back rub: Although comforting, it does not directly address shallow breathing or improve oxygenation.
D. Take some pain medication: Pain control can be essential, but this action is premature without assessing whether pain is the cause of shallow breathing.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. More than 250 mL of air moves in and out of the lungs with each breath: This describes tidal volume but does not directly stimulate the cough mechanism.
B. Foreign substances are propelled by the cilia toward the respiratory tract: Irritation by foreign particles stimulates the cough reflex to clear the airways.
C. Dehumidified air enters the upper airway passages: Dry air can cause airway irritation but does not consistently trigger a cough reflex.
D. The blood transports carbon dioxide to the lungs: This describes gas exchange, which does not directly relate to triggering the cough mechanism.
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