Nurse Aide Practice Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The first action a nurse aide should take when a resident begins to choke and cannot speak is to provide abdominal thrusts from behind. This technique is designed to create pressure in the abdomen, which can expel an object blocking the airway. The fact that the resident is unable to speak indicates a severe obstruction, and immediate intervention is crucial to help clear the airway and restore breathing.

While calling for emergency medical help is important, it should be done after attempting to provide assistance to the resident. If the resident is choking and requires immediate action, prompt intervention is essential as delays can lead to serious consequences. Patting the resident on the back or attempting to remove the object with fingers is not recommended for severe choking. Patting may worsen the obstruction, and attempting to remove the object could push it further down the airway, exacerbating the situation. Therefore, performing abdominal thrusts is the most appropriate first action in this emergency scenario.