ARRT Patient Care Practice Exam

If you encounter an apparently unconscious person with no breath sounds, what should you do first?

1. Begin mouth to mouth rescue breathing

2. Proceed with the Heimlich maneuver

3. Begin external chest compressions at a rate of 80 to 100 compressions/min

4. Begin external chest compressions at a rate of at least 100 compressions/min

The correct answer is: Begin external chest compressions at a rate of at least 100 compressions/min

In a situation where you encounter an apparently unconscious person who is not breathing, the priority is to ensure that blood circulation is maintained. The most critical first step is to begin external chest compressions at a rate of at least 100 compressions per minute. This high rate is essential to provide adequate blood flow to vital organs, especially the brain, until professional help arrives or the individual starts breathing on their own. Starting chest compressions is emphasized over other options because mouth-to-mouth rescue breathing is not the immediate concern when the individual shows no signs of breathing. Furthermore, performing the Heimlich maneuver is not appropriate since it is intended for conscious individuals who are choking, and the person here is unconscious. Maintaining a rapid compression rate maximizes the chances of survival by keeping oxygen-rich blood circulating throughout the body. Following this initial action, it would be necessary to activate emergency services and continue CPR as needed, but the focus should remain on initiating effective chest compressions promptly.