Nursing & Healthcare Programs

Performing the Heimlich Maneuver

Written by Amanda R. McDaniel, MS, BSN, RN
Amanda is a BSN/RN with a MS in Physiology and a BA in English. She worked as a medical writer in the pharmaceutical industry for 11 years before pursuing a career in nursing. She now works as a nurse on a NeuroTelemetry unit and continues to write and edit on a freelance basis. Amanda’s LinkedIn

The Heimlich Maneuver, also known as abdominal thrusts, is used to remove an object that is blocking a resident’s airway and preventing air from reaching the lungs. It only takes four to six minutes for brain damage to occur from lack of oxygen, so prompt action is vital.

How to Perform the Heimlich Maneuver

  1. Ask the resident if he can speak.
    • If he can speak and is coughing, do not proceed. Monitor the resident.
    • If he is unable to speak or becomes unable to speak, go to step two.
  2. If the resident is sitting or standing:
    • Move behind him, kneel if necessary (e.g., to help a child).
    • Wrap your arms around the resident’s waist.
    • Make a fist with your thumb toward the resident and place it just above the resident’s navel.
    • Grasp your fist with your other hand.
    • Make forceful, quick, inward and upward thrusts with your fist until the object dislodges, and the resident can breathe.
  3. If the resident is lying down:
    • Turn him onto his back.
    • Straddle him, facing his head.
    • Make a fist with one hand and place it just above the resident’s navel.
    • Grasp your fist with the other hand.
    • Make forceful, quick, inward and upward (toward head) thrusts until the object dislodges, and the resident can breathe.
  4. Notify the nurse and continue to monitor the resident per institution or unit protocol.

Reference

Heller, J.L. (2015, April). Abdominal thrusts. MedlinePlus. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000047.htm

More Resources

person wearing orange and white silicone band

Applying Restraints

Restraints have very strict guidelines for use due to the number of complications that can result. Use of restraints is associated with increased physical and psychosocial health issues. Restraints are only considered necessary when restraint-free alternatives have failed and the patient or others are at risk of harm without the restraints. It is illegal to use restraints for the staff’s convenience or to punish the patient.

Partial Bed Bath

Bathing is an important part of a patient’s health routine. A partial bed bath focuses on bathing sensitive areas that cause discomfort if not cleansed frequently, such as the face, hands, axillae, back, and perineum. Though patients receiving a bed bath are typically confined to the bed, some are able to wash themselves and should be encouraged to do so to promote independence.

Transferring the Resident from a Bed with a Mechanical Lift

A mechanical lift is used to transfer residents who cannot support their own weight. When used properly, mechanical lifts prevent injuries for both residents and health care workers. It is important that a nurse’s assistant be trained to use the mechanical lift before attempting to operate it. Most facilities require at least two health care workers to assist when using a mechanical lift.

Applying Elastic Support Hose

Elastic stockings are worn to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and reduce the pooling of blood in vessels. Many hospitals and care facilities use elastic stockings in patients with reduced mobility, such as surgical patients and/or the elderly. There are a few risks in wearing elastic stockings; however, these risks can be prevented with proper application and care.

Logrolling the Resident

Logrolling is a technique used to roll a resident onto their side without the resident helping, and while keeping the resident’s spine in a straight line. This is especially important for residents who have had spinal surgery or injury.