An adult patient is unresponsive. you have opened their airway and are simultaneously checking for breathing and a pulse. to check for breathing, which actions are appropriate to do?

General
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an adult patient is unresponsive. you have opened their airway and are simultaneously checking for breathing and a pulse. to check for breathing, which actions are appropriate to do?

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LectureNotes said an adult patient is unresponsive. You have opened their airway and are simultaneously checking for breathing and a pulse. To check for breathing, which actions are appropriate to do?

Answer:

When checking for breathing in an unresponsive adult patient after opening their airway, it is crucial to perform the following actions accurately:

  1. Look:

    • Inspection of the Chest and Abdomen:
      • Visualize the chest to see if it is rising and falling. Observe for any signs of respiratory effort.

  2. Listen:

    • Auscultation for Breath Sounds:
      • Place your ear near the patient’s mouth and nose. Listen for the sound of air movement during exhalation.
      • Quiet Environment: Make sure the environment is quiet to hear any faint sounds of breathing.

  3. Feel:

    • Feel for Breath on Your Cheek:
      • While keeping your ear near the patient’s nose and mouth, extend your cheek to feel for exhaled air.

  4. Duration and Timing:

    • Time Your Assessment:
      • Assess breathing for no more than 10 seconds. Within those 10 seconds, you should be able to determine if the patient is breathing adequately and regularly.

By following Look, Listen, and Feel, you can effectively determine whether the patient has spontaneous breathing. Proper positioning and clarity are essential for an accurate assessment.

Final Answer:
To check for breathing in an unresponsive adult patient, you should:

  1. Look for chest rise and fall.
  2. Listen for breath sounds near the patient’s mouth and nose.
  3. Feel for exhaled air on your cheek.
  4. Perform these checks concurrently for no more than 10 seconds.