If a person starts coughing while you are feeding them, what should you do?

When a person starts coughing while being fed, the most appropriate response is to stop feeding and assess the situation. Coughing can be a sign of aspiration or that the individual may be choking, which requires immediate attention. By stopping the feeding, you can evaluate whether the person is struggling to breathe or if they need assistance to clear the airway.

Leaning a person backward can further obstruct their airway, while leaning them forward may not effectively address the underlying issue of choking or aspiration. Offering a drink of water could potentially worsen the situation by causing more coughing or choking. Therefore, the best approach is to prioritize safety, ensuring the individual can breathe effectively and respond to the situation appropriately before resuming any feeding.