How should you respond if the patient starts to breathe normally?

When a patient begins to breathe normally after a period of unresponsiveness, the best course of action is to monitor them closely and ensure they are in a safe position. This response is crucial for a few reasons.

Firstly, normal breathing indicates a potential return of consciousness and an improvement in the patient's condition. However, they may still be at risk for complications, such as airway obstruction or unconsciousness. Therefore, placing them in a recovery position—usually lying on their side—helps maintain an open airway and prevents choking in case they vomit.

Secondly, continuous monitoring allows you to watch for any signs of deterioration. It's vital to be prepared to intervene again if their condition changes. Monitoring helps ensure that if the patient stops breathing or becomes unresponsive again, immediate action can be taken, such as resuming CPR or calling for emergency help.

This proactive approach ultimately prioritizes the patient's safety and wellbeing, making it the most appropriate response when they start to breathe normally.