Final answer:
In a case where a patient is non-responsive with abnormal or absence of breathing but has a pulse, you should call for emergency help, perform rescue breathing or CPR if trained, and attempt to clear any potential airway obstruction. Immediate medical intervention is necessary.
Step-by-step explanation:
Responding to a Non-Responsive Patient with Abnormal Breathing
If a patient is non-responsive, has a pulse, but is breathing abnormally or not at all, immediate medical intervention is necessary. This condition suggests that the patient may be experiencing a respiratory emergency, such as an obstructed airway or a severe breathing problem like respiratory arrest.
First, call for emergency medical help. Next, if the person is not breathing normally and you are trained in emergency procedures, you should begin rescue breathing. If you suspect an airway obstruction and the patient is unconscious, perform a careful assessment for foreign objects in the mouth, and use the appropriate techniques to try to clear the airway. If there is no airway obstruction, or after clearing the airway, begin rescue breaths or full cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if you are trained to do so, particularly if the patient is a child or infant.
Keep in mind that this information does not replace professional medical advice, and it is crucial to get trained in CPR and rescue breathing to handle such situations properly.