Nurse Aide Practice Exam 2026 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

When a resident shows signs of distress while choking, it is crucial to take immediate and appropriate action to ensure their safety. Waiting to see if the situation resolves is not an appropriate response because choking can quickly escalate into a life-threatening emergency. If a person is choking, especially if they cannot talk or cough, it indicates that their airway may be blocked, and they need urgent help.

In contrast, asking if they can cough or talk can help assess the severity of the choking. Encouraging a person to cough forcefully can also be beneficial since it may help dislodge the object causing the obstruction. If these measures are not effective, performing abdominal thrusts is the next necessary step and is a recognized procedure for helping someone who is choking.

Taking proactive steps, rather than waiting and observing, is essential to prevent the potential consequences of choking, including severe injury or death.