Question

You open the patient's airway and look, listen, and feel for breathing while simultaneously checking for a carotid pulse. The patient has a pulse but is not breathing. Which action is the priority?

Answer 1

The priority action is to deliver rescue breaths when a patient has a pulse but is not breathing.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a patient has a pulse but is not breathing, the priority action is to deliver rescue breaths. This can be done by giving mouth-to-mouth resuscitation or by using a bag-valve-mask device.

To deliver mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, you should:

1. Ensure the patient's airway is open by tilting the head back and lifting the chin.
2. Pinch the patient's nose closed with your fingers.
3. Take a normal breath and place your mouth firmly over the patient's mouth, forming a seal.
4. Blow into the patient's mouth for about one second, allowing the chest to rise.
5. Remove your mouth and allow the chest to fall. Repeat this step to deliver a total of two rescue breaths.

Remember to check for signs of breathing and circulation after delivering rescue breaths and continue with appropriate first aid procedures as needed.