What to Do If an Adult Patient Becomes Unresponsive with a Blocked Airway

What should you attempt next if an adult patient becomes unresponsive while clearing their obstructed airway and no object is visible in their mouth?

• A. Give 2 ventilations
• B. Perform a finger sweep
• C. Start chest compressions again
• D. Check for responsiveness

Answer: (A)

If an adult patient becomes unresponsive while you are addressing an obstructed airway and no object is visible in their mouth, the appropriate next step is to provide 2 ventilations. This action is crucial because it is essential to attempt to deliver breath to the lungs; a lack of responsiveness indicates that breathing is compromised. The goal in this situation is to re-establish oxygenation in the body. Following the delivery of ventilations, if the airway remains obstructed and the patient does not respond to rescue breaths, you would then need to reassess the situation, which might include resuming chest compressions and repositioning the airway as needed. However, when the primary issue is unresponsiveness with a clear inability to breathe, delivering 2 ventilations is a logical and necessary step as it directly addresses the issue of insufficient air supply. Therefore, in the context of Basic Life Support, the focus on securing the airway and trying to breathe for the patient is the most immediate and appropriate response.

When you find yourself in an emergency situation involving an adult patient who suddenly becomes unresponsive while you’re dealing with a blocked airway, it can feel overwhelming—like trying to navigate a maze in the dark. What do you do next? The important thing to remember is that every second counts in these situations.

So, let's get to the meat of the matter—what’s the first step? Well, if you’ve determined that there’s no object visible in the patient’s mouth, the first move is to give 2 ventilations. You heard that right! It's not just about keeping calm; it's about acting decisively. When a patient is unresponsive, it signifies that their breathing has likely been compromised. That’s a clear cue that oxygen isn’t getting into their body, and we absolutely need to change that.

Now, you might think, “Okay, why not just start chest compressions again?” or “Should I try a finger sweep?” While those are important considerations, the immediate need is to establish an airway and deliver breaths. Think of it like trying to connect a lifeline to someone stranded at sea. If they can’t breathe, your first priority must be restoring that vital oxygen flow.

After delivering those 2 ventilations, a critical reassessment comes next. If the airway remains obstructed, and the patient doesn’t respond to your rescue breaths, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and check the situation again. You may need to resume chest compressions or readjust the airway. But don’t forget—the gold standard here is to secure the airway and attempt to breathe for the patient first.

Might seem like a lot to keep track of, right? But it really boils down to a series of logical steps. If you’re practicing your Basic Life Support (BLS) skills, focus on the essentials: when faced with an unresponsive adult who can’t breathe, delivering those 2 ventilations is the smart and necessary action.

Deep down, we all hope we never find ourselves in a situation where we need to utilize these skills. Yet, if the unfortunate happens, knowing the right actions to take can make all the difference. Just imagine—being the one who stepped up and potentially saved a life! Ultimately, the focus here is clear: securing the airway and ensuring that some oxygen makes it into the lungs is job #1, setting the stage for the next steps in a critically important chain of survival.