What would you check first if a patient is unresponsive but breathing?

In a situation where a patient is unresponsive but still breathing, the priority is to monitor the airway and breathing to ensure they remain open. This step is critical because while the patient may be breathing, their level of responsiveness indicates they are at risk of airway compromise. If the airway becomes obstructed, even a patient who is breathing may suffer from inadequate oxygenation.

By focusing on sustaining an open airway, you can prevent potential complications such as choking or aspiration. This ensures that the patient can continue to breathe adequately until further medical assistance arrives or the patient’s condition stabilizes.

Other options, while relevant to patient care, do not address the urgency of maintaining a clear airway in an unresponsive individual. Checking for a pulse follows assessing airway and breathing because if the airway is not secure, assessing circulation may not yield reliable results. Administering oxygen, while potentially beneficial, cannot be done effectively if the airway is compromised. Laying the patient flat on their back can also pose risks, especially if the patient cannot maintain their own airway, which can lead to further complications. Thus, monitoring the airway and breathing is the most critical immediate action.