How long should you assess a patient's breathing and circulation?

Assessing a patient's breathing and circulation is critical to quickly determine their condition and the appropriate course of action. The recommended duration for this assessment is no longer than 10 seconds. This time frame balances the need for a thorough evaluation with the urgency of responding to a patient who may be in critical condition.

In this brief interval, the rescuer should look for signs of breathing by observing the chest for movement, listening for breath sounds, and feeling for air against their cheek. Simultaneously, checking for circulation involves feeling for a pulse. Taking longer than 10 seconds can delay critical interventions, especially in cases where CPR may be necessary, and can potentially be detrimental to the patient's chances of recovery.

The choices that suggest durations longer than 10 seconds would not align with the urgent nature of emergency situations, where swift assessment and intervention can significantly improve outcomes.