During meals, what sign indicates potential choking that you should stop care for and report?

• A. Persistent coughing
• B. Inability to speak
• C. Bluish lips or skin
• D. Persistent coughing, inability to speak, or bluish lips or skin

Answer: (D)

When someone shows signs that their airway might be blocked during a meal, you must stop feeding and escalate care. Any of these symptoms indicate choking risk and require reporting to a nurse or supervisor right away.

Persistent coughing can mean a partial airway obstruction; it’s a signal to pause feeding, monitor, and allow the person to try to clear the airway, with help on standby in case it worsens. Inability to speak shows the airway is more significantly blocked, a warning that oxygen is not flowing properly and urgent help is needed. Bluish lips or skin reflect inadequate oxygenation, indicating a potentially life-threatening obstruction and immediate action is required.

Because choking can present in different ways, recognizing all three signs and stopping care to report ensures you get the right intervention promptly. If the situation escalates, follow your facility’s emergency protocol.