How should you respond to an unresponsive patient showing signs of breathing?

How should you respond to an unresponsive patient showing signs of breathing?

• A. Initiate CPR immediately
• B. Maintain an open airway and monitor until help arrives
• C. Leave the patient to call for assistance
• D. Administer supplemental oxygen right away

Answer: (B)

In the scenario where an unresponsive patient exhibits signs of breathing, the appropriate response is to maintain an open airway and monitor until help arrives. This is crucial because the patient's airway needs to be secured to ensure they can breathe effectively. By keeping the airway open, you prevent any obstruction that could compromise their ability to breathe, which is particularly important in an unresponsive individual. Monitoring the patient allows you to observe any changes in their condition, such as a decrease in breath sounds or a change in responsiveness, which would require you to adjust your approach or be prepared to act further if their situation worsens. In this context, waiting for professional medical assistance to take over is vital, as trained responders may have the necessary tools and protocols for advanced care. This answer reflects a balanced approach to immediate care, prioritizing the airway while ensuring that professional help is summoned. Other options, such as performing CPR, administering oxygen, or leaving the patient to call for help, may not address the immediate needs of maintaining airway integrity and monitoring the patient's breathing effectively.

In the scenario where an unresponsive patient exhibits signs of breathing, the appropriate response is to maintain an open airway and monitor until help arrives. This is crucial because the patient's airway needs to be secured to ensure they can breathe effectively. By keeping the airway open, you prevent any obstruction that could compromise their ability to breathe, which is particularly important in an unresponsive individual.

Monitoring the patient allows you to observe any changes in their condition, such as a decrease in breath sounds or a change in responsiveness, which would require you to adjust your approach or be prepared to act further if their situation worsens. In this context, waiting for professional medical assistance to take over is vital, as trained responders may have the necessary tools and protocols for advanced care.

This answer reflects a balanced approach to immediate care, prioritizing the airway while ensuring that professional help is summoned. Other options, such as performing CPR, administering oxygen, or leaving the patient to call for help, may not address the immediate needs of maintaining airway integrity and monitoring the patient's breathing effectively.