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: Tamoxifen
Tamoxifen is a medication primarily used to treat breast cancer. It works as a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), which means it blocks estrogen receptors in breast tissue. Estrogen can promote the growth of breast cancer cells, so blocking its effects can help to slow or stop the growth of these cells. However, tamoxifen is not typically used for prostate cancer because prostate cancer is driven by androgens (male hormones) rather than estrogens.
Choice B: Leuprolide
Leuprolide is a medication commonly used in the treatment of prostate cancer. It is a type of hormone therapy known as a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonist. Leuprolide works by reducing the production of testosterone, a hormone that can stimulate the growth of prostate cancer cells. By lowering testosterone levels, leuprolide helps to slow the progression of prostate cancer and can be used in various stages of the disease.
Choice C: Finasteride
Finasteride is a medication used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and male pattern baldness. It works by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). While finasteride can reduce the size of the prostate and improve urinary symptoms in BPH, it is not typically used as a primary treatment for prostate cancer. Its role in prostate cancer is more preventive, as it can lower the risk of developing the disease.
Choice D: Cyclophosphamide
Cyclophosphamide is a chemotherapy drug used to treat various types of cancer, including lymphomas, leukemias, and some solid tumors. It works by interfering with the DNA of cancer cells, preventing them from dividing and growing. While cyclophosphamide can be used in certain cancer treatments, it is not a standard treatment for prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is more commonly treated with hormone therapy, targeted therapy, or other specific chemotherapy agents.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Saying “Maybe next time you can have a vaginal delivery” is not supportive and may minimize the client’s current feelings of disappointment. It is important to acknowledge and validate the client’s emotions rather than focusing on future possibilities.
Choice B reason:
This response, “It sounds like you are feeling sad that things didn’t go as planned,” is empathetic and validates the client’s feelings. It shows that the nurse is listening and understands the client’s disappointment, which is crucial for emotional support.
Choice C reason:
While it is true that having a healthy baby is important, saying “At least you know you have a healthy baby” can come across as dismissive of the client’s feelings. It is essential to address the client’s emotions directly rather than shifting the focus.
Choice D reason:
Telling the client “You can resume sensations sooner than if you had delivered vaginally” is not relevant to the client’s expressed feelings of disappointment about not having a natural childbirth. This response does not address the emotional aspect of the client’s experience.
