Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Prometric Practice Exam

What should the nurse aide do if a resident in bed is coughing as if he swallowed something wrong but is not choking?

1. Encourage the resident to cough

2. Observe the resident

3. Alert a nurse immediately

4. Offer water to the resident

The correct answer is: Observe the resident

In this scenario, the most appropriate action is to observe the resident. Observing allows the nurse aide to monitor for any changes in the resident's condition. Coughing could indicate irritation or discomfort in the throat, but since the resident is not choking, immediate intervention may not be necessary. During this observation, it's important to look for signs of distress, difficulty breathing, or other abnormal behaviors that might indicate a worsening condition. This careful monitoring can provide important information to healthcare professionals later on if further intervention becomes necessary. While encouraging the resident to cough may seem helpful, it can sometimes exacerbate the situation or cause fatigue. Alerting a nurse immediately may be premature if the resident is stable and not exhibiting severe symptoms that require urgent attention. Offering water might also not be the best option, as swallowing could pose a risk if there is irritation or if the resident's throat is compromised. Hence, observing allows the nurse aide to assess and respond appropriately depending on the resident's evolving condition.