New York City CNA Practice Exam – All-in-One Prep Resource 2026

In an emergency situation where a patient is choking, the correct procedure for a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is to perform the Heimlich maneuver and call for assistance. The Heimlich maneuver is a first-aid procedure designed to expel the obstruction from the airway and restore normal breathing. This technique involves standing behind the patient, placing your arms around their waist, and delivering quick, upward thrusts to create enough pressure to dislodge the object blocking the airway.

Calling for assistance is also crucial because choking can quickly lead to loss of consciousness and requires higher-level emergency care. Immediate help from other healthcare professionals or emergency services can be vital, especially if the Heimlich maneuver does not resolve the issue.

Offering water for the patient to drink, checking for signs of breathing alone, or waiting for the patient to stop coughing are not appropriate responses in a choking emergency. Water could cause further complications by making the obstruction worse, while the other actions do not actively address the immediate threat to the patient’s airway and breathing.