A nurse is attending a social event when another guest coughs weakly once, grasps his throat with his hands, and cannot talk. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Perform the Heimlich maneuver.
Slap the client on the back several times.
Assist the client to the floor and begin mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
Observe the client before taking further action.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason:
The Heimlich maneuver, also known as abdominal thrusts, is the recommended first aid technique for a conscious person who is choking. This maneuver helps to expel the object blocking the airway by using the air remaining in the lungs to force it out. The nurse should stand behind the person, place their arms around the person’s waist, make a fist with one hand, and place it just above the navel. The other hand should grasp the fist, and quick, upward thrusts should be performed until the object is expelled.
Choice B reason:
Slapping the client on the back several times is not the recommended first action for a conscious adult who is choking. While back blows can be effective, they are typically used in combination with abdominal thrusts and are more commonly recommended for infants. For adults, the Heimlich maneuver is preferred as the initial response.
Choice C reason:
Assisting the client to the floor and beginning mouth-to-mouth resuscitation is not appropriate for a conscious person who is choking. Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, or rescue breathing, is used when a person is not breathing and is unresponsive. In this scenario, the client is conscious but unable to speak, indicating a blocked airway that requires the Heimlich maneuver.
Choice D reason:
Observing the client before taking further action is not advisable in a choking emergency. Immediate intervention is crucial to prevent the situation from worsening. If the person is unable to speak, cough, or breathe, the Heimlich maneuver should be performed without delay.
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Advising that the largest meal of the day should be in the evening is not typically recommended for clients with a colostomy. It is generally better to have smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day to aid digestion and reduce the risk of discomfort.
Choice B reason:
Eating yogurt can indeed help decrease the amount of gas. Yogurt contains probiotics, which can aid in digestion and reduce gas production. This is a beneficial dietary choice for clients with a colostomy.
Choice C reason:
Carbonated beverages are not recommended for controlling odor. In fact, they can increase gas production and lead to bloating, which can be uncomfortable for clients with a colostomy.
Choice D reason:
There is no need to eliminate pasta from the diet to prevent loose stools. Instead, clients should focus on a balanced diet that includes low-fiber foods initially and gradually reintroduce other foods while monitoring their effects.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Promoting oral hygiene is important for preventing infection and maintaining overall health, especially after surgery involving the mouth. However, it is not the immediate priority in the postoperative period.
Choice B reason:
Ensuring adequate nutrition is crucial for healing and recovery, but it is not the most urgent concern immediately after surgery. Nutritional needs can be addressed once the client is stable and the risk of complications has been minimized.
Choice C reason:
Preventing aspiration is the priority action. After surgery for a fractured mandible with intermaxillary fixation, the client is at high risk for aspiration due to the inability to open the mouth and clear secretions effectively. Aspiration can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, making it the most critical concern.
Choice D reason:
Relieving the client’s pain is important for comfort and recovery, but it is not the highest priority immediately after surgery. Pain management should be addressed once the client’s airway and breathing are secure.
