Basic Life Support (BLS) Practice Exam

What should you do if there are no signs of breathing in a drowning victim?

1. Call for help

2. Begin chest compressions immediately

3. Open the airway and administer rescue breaths

4. Check pulse for 10 seconds

The correct answer is: Open the airway and administer rescue breaths

In the scenario involving a drowning victim who shows no signs of breathing, the correct response involves opening the airway and administering rescue breaths. This is based on the understanding that drowning victims often require immediate assistance, as they may not have a pulse or breathing due to submersion in water. When a person is submerged, their oxygen levels can deplete quickly. Opening the airway is crucial because it ensures that the passage for air is clear, allowing for efficient rescue breaths. Administering rescue breaths can help to deliver oxygen directly into the lungs, which is vital for reviving the victim or maintaining oxygenation until further help arrives. This action aligns with the BLS protocols that prioritize airway management in cases of drowning, especially when breathing is absent. It is essential to start rescue breaths as soon as possible to restore ventilation and oxygenation, which can significantly improve the chances of survival. Other options, while important in various contexts of CPR, are not appropriate first actions for a drowning victim showing no breathing. For instance, calling for help is necessary, but it should not delay the immediate intervention required for effective resuscitation. Beginning chest compressions is crucial in cases of cardiac arrest but will not address the urgent need for oxygen in a drowning scenario where