American Lifeguard Practice Exam

During an initial assessment of an unconscious adult, what should you do if the first two rescue breaths do not make the chest rise?

1. Check for a pulse

2. Reattempt rescue breaths with no adjustments

3. Tilt the head farther back and reattempt rescue breaths

4. Begin chest compressions immediately

The correct answer is: Tilt the head farther back and reattempt rescue breaths

When performing rescue breaths on an unconscious adult, it's critical to ensure that air is entering the lungs properly. If the first two rescue breaths do not result in visible chest rise, it indicates that the airway might be obstructed or not positioned favorably for effective ventilation. Tilting the head farther back can help create a better alignment of the airway, which may resolve any obstruction and allow for more successful breaths. This adjustment is based on the understanding of airway anatomy and the mechanics of breathing. The goal is to create a clear passage for the air to flow into the lungs, which is essential for effective rescue breathing. In contrast, checking for a pulse at that stage would not directly address the immediate concern of ventilation and could lead to unnecessary delays in providing care. Similarly, reattempting breaths without adjusting the airway position may not resolve the issue and could waste valuable time. Finally, starting chest compressions immediately would be appropriate if there were no signs of circulation, but the initial step is to ensure the airway is clear and that rescue breaths are being delivered effectively.