Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Basic Certification Practice Exam

If a patient is unresponsive but has a pulse, what is the appropriate immediate action to take?

1. Administer chest compressions only

2. Provide 2 quick rescue breaths followed by breaths every minute

3. Provide 2 quick rescue breaths then breaths 10-12 every minute

4. Begin mouth-to-mouth ventilation continuously

The correct answer is: Provide 2 quick rescue breaths then breaths 10-12 every minute

When a patient is unresponsive but has a pulse, the priority is to ensure that they are receiving adequate oxygenation. Providing 2 quick rescue breaths initially helps establish a clear airway and delivers essential oxygen to the lungs. Following this initial assistance, delivering breaths at a rate of 10-12 per minute is recommended to maintain adequate ventilation and ensure the patient is receiving enough oxygen without over-ventilating, which could lead to complications such as increased intrathoracic pressure or gastric inflation. This approach is especially crucial because the patient’s unresponsiveness indicates that they may not be able to maintain their own airway or breathing effectively. Consequently, timely and effective rescue breaths are vital for preventing hypoxia. The specific rate of 10-12 breaths per minute aligns with guidelines for ventilation in an unresponsive patient with a pulse, ensuring effective oxygen delivery while minimizing the risk of adverse effects associated with improper ventilation rates. Other actions like administering compressions or providing continuous mouth-to-mouth ventilation do not address the immediate need for controlled breathing or ensure proper airway management in this scenario.