A CNA exam story · Emergency response
A responsive adult resident cannot speak or cough because of choking. After the emergency response is activated, what should a trained nurse aide do first?
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B. Give five back blows, then five abdominal thrusts if the blockage remains
Current AHA guidance for a responsive adult with severe choking starts with five back blows before abdominal thrusts. Continue in sets of five while the blockage remains and the person is responsive.
Remember: Unable to speak or cough means severe obstruction; activate help and begin the trained response.
Source: 2025 AHA adult choking response