What to Do When a Victim Has a Pulse but Isn't Breathing

In a medical emergency, knowing what to do can mean the difference between life and death. Take a moment to imagine yourself in a harrowing situation: you witness someone collapse, and your heart races. The person is unresponsive on the ground. But wait—there's a pulse! This scenario can be tricky, and understanding the next appropriate steps is crucial, especially for those preparing for the NBCSN Nationally Certified School Nurse Exam.

Keep Calm and Assess the Situation

You know what? The first step is often the hardest: staying calm. It’s important to assess whether the person is breathing. If they have a pulse but aren’t breathing, steps must be taken right away.

Rescue Breaths Are Key

So, here’s the thing: when faced with a victim who has a pulse but lacks independent breathing, the best move isn’t to dive into CPR as you might think. Instead, the correct action is to give breaths every 3 seconds—and monitor that pulse every 2 minutes.

Why is this crucial? Because those precious breaths provide the vital oxygen the body needs to maintain function in the face of potential complications like brain damage. Think of your body as a delicate machine; it needs the right fuel to keep running smoothly.

How to Administer Rescue Breaths

You might be wondering: how do I give those breaths effectively? Here’s a simple breakdown:

1. Position the Head: Ensure the airway is open. Tilt their head back slightly.

2. Seal the Lips: Pinch their nose shut while sealing your mouth over their mouth, ensuring no air escapes.

3. Breath with Care: Breathe into their mouth for about 1 second, making sure the chest rises visibly.

4. Repeat: Continue this every 3 seconds.

And don’t forget to check that pulse regularly! This isn't just a formality; it helps you gauge whether your efforts are working.

Keep an Eye on Vital Signs

While you’re administering these breaths, it’s crucial to keep tabs on the pulse. Why? Monitoring the pulse every two minutes allows you to assess the situation closely—if that pulse weakens or disappears, further intervention may be necessary, such as using an AED or starting CPR.

What Not to Do

Let’s clear something up: initiating CPR in this situation isn’t appropriate. You might be thinking, “But the person is unresponsive!” Yes, they are, but they do have a pulse. CPR is specifically for individuals who are unresponsive with no detectable pulse. Initiating CPR when there's a pulse can exacerbate the situation, causing undue harm.

Similarly, don’t wait for emergency responders to arrive without taking action. First responders can sometimes take precious minutes to reach you—those minutes matter, and every second counts when it comes to a person’s health. Providing immediate assistance is your best bet in this scenario.

Conclusion: Acting with Confidence

Understanding what to do when you encounter a victim with a pulse but who isn’t breathing is crucial knowledge for anyone taking the NBCSN Nationally Certified School Nurse Exam—or anyone interested in emergency response. Providing rescue breaths can be the difference between recovery and a more severe medical crisis.

So, the next time you find yourself questioning, “What now?” remember: keep calm, provide breaths every three seconds, and monitor that pulse. You’ve got this! And they’re counting on you to act swiftly and knowledgeably.