Geriatric Nurse Aide (GNA) Practice Exam

In a choking emergency, administering back blows and abdominal thrusts is the appropriate protocol because these techniques are designed to expel the obstruction from the airway. Back blows involve striking the person between the shoulder blades with the heel of one hand while the person bends forward slightly. Abdominal thrusts, often referred to as the Heimlich maneuver, require the caregiver to position their hands in the middle of the abdomen and thrust inward and upward to increase pressure in the abdomen, which can help dislodge an object blocking the airway.

Both techniques work by creating sufficient force to expel the foreign object that is causing the choking and are considered immediate interventions for clearing an obstructed airway. Effective execution of these techniques can be life-saving and should be carried out promptly in such emergencies. It is essential for caregivers to be trained in these methods as they are expected to act quickly and efficiently in critical situations involving choking.