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a nurse is assisting a client who is eating at mealtime. the client grabs her neck with both hands and appears frightened. which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
place an oxygen mask on the client.
check the clients pulse.
determine whether the client is able to breathe.
wrap arms around the client from behind.

Explanation:

In a choking - like situation, the first step is to assess the client's ability to breathe. This determines the next course of action. Placing an oxygen mask is premature without knowing if the airway is blocked. Checking the pulse is not the first priority as the immediate concern is airway patency. Wrapping arms around from behind (Heimlich maneuver) is done if the client is indeed choking and unable to breathe.

Answer:

Determine whether the client is able to breathe.