Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Basic Certification Practice Exam

What is the most appropriate action if an adult patient is unresponsive and breathing normally?

1. Administer chest compressions

2. Call for emergency medical services

3. Place the patient in the recovery position

4. Initiate rescue breathing

The correct answer is: Place the patient in the recovery position

In the scenario described, the most appropriate action when an adult patient is unresponsive but breathing normally is to place the patient in the recovery position. This position is designed to keep the airway open and prevent aspiration, which is particularly crucial when a patient is unresponsive. It allows any fluids to drain from the mouth, reduces the risk of choking, and provides a safe position while maintaining an unobstructed airway. By placing the unresponsive patient who is still breathing in the recovery position, you ensure their safety until further help arrives. This is a fundamental and crucial intervention in emergency care for maintaining the airway of an unresponsive individual who is breathing adequately. Other actions, such as administering chest compressions or initiating rescue breathing, are unnecessary in this case since the patient is breathing normally. Additionally, calling for emergency medical services is vital but is not the immediate intervention to ensure the patient’s safety and airway management.