Arizona Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Practice Test

If a resident is choking, what is the CNA's first response?

1. Begin abdominal thrusts or ask the resident if they are choking

2. Give the resident water

3. Attempt to reach into the resident's mouth

4. Wait for emergency services to arrive

The correct answer is: Begin abdominal thrusts or ask the resident if they are choking

When a resident is choking, the first response of a CNA should be to assess the situation quickly and take immediate action to ensure the safety of the resident. Initiating abdominal thrusts or asking the resident if they are choking accurately addresses the necessity to act promptly. Abdominal thrusts, commonly known as the Heimlich maneuver, is a lifesaving technique specifically designed to dislodge an obstruction in a person's airway. Asking the resident if they are choking can also serve as an initial assessment to confirm the situation before performing any actions. Other options do not provide the necessary immediacy required in a choking scenario. Offering water can aggravate the situation by further blocking the airway. Similarly, attempting to reach into the resident's mouth is not a recommended practice, as it may push the object deeper into the throat or cause injury. Waiting for emergency services without taking proactive steps puts the resident at greater risk, as choking can lead to serious harm or death if not addressed without delay. Thus, beginning abdominal thrusts or confirming the choking situation is the appropriate and critical first step.