What is the correct way to assess breathing in an unresponsive patient?

Assessing breathing in an unresponsive patient is a critical step in the Basic Life Support (BLS) process. The correct method involves looking, listening, and feeling for breaths within a maximum time frame of 10 seconds. This involves observing the chest for movement, listening for breath sounds, and feeling for air movement at the mouth and nose.

This approach allows responders to quickly determine if the patient is breathing or requires immediate intervention, such as initiating chest compressions or calling for emergency services. Time is crucial in these situations to enhance the potential for recovery, and assessing breathing effectively within this timeframe helps inform the next steps in care.

Other options do not effectively prioritize the assessment of breathing in an unresponsive individual. Checking for a pulse is important, but it is typically done after assessing breathing—especially in the context of BLS where the main focus is ensuring that the airway is clear and the patient can breathe properly. Shaking the patient may cause further harm or worsen any potential spinal injuries and does not provide a reliable assessment of the patient’s condition. Calling for help is critical, but immediate evaluation of breathing takes precedence to ensure the patient receives timely support if needed.