Free BCEN Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) Practice Question

A 46-year-old male presents to the emergency department with sudden onset of difficulty breathing and inability to speak after eating a piece of steak. He appears in distress, is noticeably cyanotic, and is gesturing to his throat. What is the most appropriate initial intervention by the nurse?

  • Prepare the patient for immediate intubation.

  • Perform an emergent cricothyrotomy.

  • Perform the Heimlich maneuver to attempt to dislodge the obstruction.

  • Administer high-flow oxygen via a non-rebreather mask.

This question's topic:
BCEN Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) / 
Respiratory Emergencies
Your Score:

Check or uncheck an objective to set which questions you will receive.