While eating in a restaurant, a nurse notices that a customer at the n

While eating in a restaurant, a nurse notices that a customer at the next table begins to clutch his throat while eating a steak. What should the nurse do first?

1. Ask the customer if he is choking.
2. Attempt to give five back blows.
3. Perform the Heimlich maneuver.
4. Start chest compressions.

ANSWER

Correct Answer: 1
Rationale 1: The first step is to ask if the person is choking.
Rationale 2: Five back blows are reserved for an infant who is choking.
Rationale 3: If he indicates he is choking, the next step would be to perform the Heimlich maneuver.
Rationale 4: Chest compressions would be given if the person was unconscious; this person is not. He is clutching his throat.