Question 67

Ask if the client can speak.

Determining if the client can speak is a crucial first step when a nurse aide suspects choking. This question helps assess the severity of the choking incident and whether the airway is partially obstructed or completely blocked.

A) get the nurse in charge.

While notifying the nurse in charge may be necessary, it is not the immediate first step. The nurse aide should first assess the situation directly by asking the client if they can speak, which provides critical information about the client's airway status.

B) try to remove the food from the client's mouth.

Attempting to remove food from the client’s mouth can potentially worsen the situation by pushing the obstruction further down the throat. It is more important to assess the airway first by asking the client if they are able to speak.

C) ask if the client can speak.

This option is correct because asking the client if they can speak will help the nurse aide determine if the airway is obstructed. If the client can speak, it indicates that the airway is only partially blocked, and appropriate actions can be taken based on their response.

D) perform the Heimlich maneuver (abdominal thrusts).

Performing the Heimlich maneuver is appropriate only if the client cannot speak or breathe, indicating a complete airway obstruction. Therefore, this action should not be the first step without first assessing the client’s ability to speak.

Conclusion

Asking the client if they can speak is the most effective initial action when a nurse aide suspects choking, as it provides essential insight into the severity of the situation. Other options, such as notifying a nurse or performing the Heimlich maneuver, may be necessary later, but they do not address the immediate need for assessment. Thus, option C is the most appropriate choice in this scenario.