What should be done if a patient is not breathing but has a pulse?

When a patient is not breathing but still has a pulse, the appropriate response is to provide rescue breaths. This is critical because, while the patient’s heart is still beating, they are not effectively ventilating, which can lead to insufficient oxygen levels in the body. Administering rescue breaths helps to supply oxygen to their lungs and, consequently, to their vital organs.

It is essential to provide rescue breaths at a rate of about one breath every five seconds in adults, while monitoring the patient’s condition closely. This intervention can help prevent further deterioration of the patient’s situation until more advanced medical help arrives or the patient begins breathing independently again.

In this scenario, starting CPR would be inappropriate since the patient has a pulse, and waiting for emergency personnel without taking action could lead to worsening hypoxia. Administering oxygen therapy could also be beneficial but would not effectively address the immediate need of providing breaths to the patient who is not breathing.