Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Practice Exam

During mealtime, a resident starts choking on food. What should the nursing assistant do first?

1. Offer the resident more food

2. Give the resident a drink of water

3. Begin the Heimlich maneuver

4. Encourage the resident to keep eating

The correct answer is: Begin the Heimlich maneuver

In a situation where a resident is choking, the most immediate and appropriate action is to begin the Heimlich maneuver. This technique is designed to help dislodge food or an object that is blocking the airway, allowing the resident to breathe again. Choking can quickly become a life-threatening emergency, so responding promptly is crucial. Offering more food or encouraging the resident to continue eating would not only be ineffective but could exacerbate the choking hazard. Providing a drink of water may also be counterproductive, as it could further obstruct the airway rather than alleviate the choking situation. The Heimlich maneuver is a well-established response for such emergencies and should always be prioritized when someone is choking.