What should a caregiver do if a resident begins to choke during a meal?

When a resident begins to choke during a meal, the most appropriate action is to notify a nurse immediately. This is critical because choking can lead to severe complications, and trained healthcare professionals are equipped to respond effectively to such emergencies. The nurse will be able to assess the situation, determine the severity of the choking, and perform advanced interventions if necessary, such as administering the Heimlich maneuver or calling for further medical assistance.

While other methods may seem helpful in the moment, such as patting the back or encouraging the resident to drink water, these approaches might not be effective and could potentially worsen the situation. Water could cause the food to swell further or block the airway even more. Leaving the resident alone compromises their safety and could lead to serious consequences. Therefore, notifying a nurse is the most responsible action to ensure the resident receives timely and appropriate care.