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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View Related questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Reduced chest width:
Aging does not typically result in a reduced chest width. Instead, changes in posture and the curvature of the spine can make the chest appear less prominent. The primary musculoskeletal changes with aging involve bone density, muscle mass, and joint flexibility.
Choice B reason: Increased force of isometric contraction:
This is incorrect. Aging is associated with a decrease in muscle strength and mass, not an increase. The force of muscle contractions generally diminishes with age due to the loss of muscle fibers and changes in muscle composition.
Choice C reason: Decreased muscle mass:
This is correct. One of the most significant age-related musculoskeletal changes is sarcopenia, which is the loss of muscle mass and strength. This process begins around the age of 30 and accelerates with age, leading to decreased physical strength and increased risk of falls and fractures.
Choice D reason: Thickened vertebral discs:
Aging typically leads to the thinning and dehydration of intervertebral discs, not thickening. This can result in a reduction in height and increased susceptibility to spinal issues such as herniated discs and spinal stenosis.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Administer 50,000 units of heparin by IV bolus every 12 hours:
This dosage is incorrect and potentially dangerous. Heparin dosing must be carefully calculated based on the patient’s weight and coagulation test results. Standard practice involves adjusting the dose according to the aPTT levels to maintain therapeutic anticoagulation.
Choice B reason: Have vitamin K available on the nursing unit:
Vitamin K is the antidote for warfarin, not heparin. The antidote for heparin is protamine sulfate. Having the correct antidote available is crucial for managing potential bleeding complications associated with heparin therapy.
Choice C reason: Use tubing specific for heparin sodium when administering the infusion:
While it is important to use appropriate tubing for any IV medication, there is no specific tubing required exclusively for heparin sodium. Standard IV tubing is typically sufficient.
Choice D reason: Check the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) every 6 hours:
This is correct. Monitoring aPTT levels is essential when administering a continuous heparin infusion. The aPTT test measures the time it takes for blood to clot and helps ensure that the heparin dose is within the therapeutic range. Regular monitoring helps prevent both under- and over-anticoagulation, reducing the risk of clotting or bleeding complications.