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

Sim’s Position

The position a patient is placed in is often ordered by the physician, or recommended by a speech, occupational, or physical therapist. The position dictates whether a patient is sitting, lying, standing; or if they are on their side, back, or prone (face-down). Positioning is also determined by the patient’s current needs, such as: Are they eating? Sleeping? Having surgery on their back? Are they receiving nutrition through a nasogastric tube?

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.

Perineal Care of the Male Resident

Perineal care should be performed during a bath, after using the bedpan, and/or after incontinence. Special care should be used when performing perineal care on an uncircumcised male. Failure to retract and wash the area under the foreskin can result in infection. Failure to return the foreskin to its normal position can result in paraphimosis.

Perineal Care of the Female Resident

Perineal care should be performed during a bath, after using the bedpan, and/or after incontinence. Proper technique is important for maintaining hygiene, preventing infection, and avoiding skin breakdown. Because of the close proximity between a woman’s urethra, vagina, and anus, it is essential to only wipe in a front to back motion. Wiping in the opposite direction is associated with a greater risk for developing a urinary tract infection.

Supine Position

Supine position is a natural and comfortable position for most people. For this reason, it is a highly utilized position for nursing procedures. Unfortunately, this position puts pressure on many bony prominences that can lead to discomfort and/or pressure ulcers if the pressure is not relieved every so often (typically every two hours or less).