While in a restaurant the nurse notices a woman clutching her throat. The woman is unable to speak. The nurse asks the woman if she’s choking, and she indicates yes. Which response by the nurse should be done first ?

  1. establish an airway by tilting the chin back
  2. administer five quick chest compressions
  3. administer two rescue breaths
  4. perform the Heimlich maneuver
Number 4 is correct.
Rationale: The American Red Cross advises to complete the following if you encounter a conscious, choking person who is unable to cough, speak, or breathe: send someone to call 9-1-1, lean the person forward, and give five back blows with the heel of your hand. If ineffective, perform the Heimlich maneuver to remove the obstruction. The other stated actions are performed on unconscious persons.