An adult patient is unresponsive and has occasional gasping but no normal breathing. No pulse is felt after a brief assessment. What should the nurse do next?
Correct answer: B. Begin chest compressions and activate emergency response
- A. Place the patient in the recovery position
- B. Begin chest compressions and activate emergency response
- C. Give two rescue breaths before calling for help
- D. Check the blood pressure before starting treatment
Explanation
Occasional gasping is not normal breathing, and an absent pulse indicates cardiac arrest. Immediate chest compressions and activation of the emergency response are required because circulation must be restored without delaying for blood pressure measurement.
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About Critical Care and Emergency Nursing
Covers rapid assessment and stabilisation of patients with airway obstruction, respiratory failure, shock, cardiac arrest, sepsis, poisoning and major electrolyte disturbances. It includes triage, the ABCDE approach, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, ventilator and monitor care, emergency medicines and distinguishing life-threatening deterioration from stable illness.
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