Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Prometric Practice Exam

In the event of a patient choking in an Assisted Living Facility, what is the appropriate action?

1. Call for help immediately

2. Perform the Heimlich Maneuver

3. Give the patient water to wash it down

4. Wait for the patient to cough it out

The correct answer is: Perform the Heimlich Maneuver

Performing the Heimlich Maneuver is the appropriate action to take when a patient is choking in an Assisted Living Facility. This emergency procedure is specifically designed to dislodge an obstruction from a person's airway when they cannot breathe, cough, or speak. When the Heimlich Maneuver is applied correctly, it can generate the necessary force to expel the object causing the choking, potentially saving the patient's life. In contrast, calling for help may not provide immediate relief to the patient who is actively choking, as it could waste valuable time. Giving the patient water is not advisable because if the person is choking, their airway is blocked, and drinking water could worsen the situation. Waiting for the patient to cough it out is also not a suitable approach, especially if the obstruction is severe, as it may lead to a complete blockage, resulting in loss of consciousness or worse. Thus, the Heimlich Maneuver is crucial in ensuring a swift and effective response to a choking incident.