A 2-year-old female is unresponsive with agonal respirations after being struck by a car. What is the first recommended action?

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Multiple Choice

A 2-year-old female is unresponsive with agonal respirations after being struck by a car. What is the first recommended action?

In a 2-year-old who is unresponsive with agonal respirations after blunt trauma, the most important first action is to determine whether there is a pulse. Checking for a pulse quickly tells you whether the child has circulating blood and if you should start CPR immediately. If there is no pulse, chest compressions must begin right away. If a pulse is present but the child isn’t breathing normally, you provide rescue breaths while continuing to monitor circulation. Pulse assessment should be done as a rapid check (about up to 10 seconds) to guide the next steps without delaying lifesaving care.

In a 2-year-old who is unresponsive with agonal respirations after blunt trauma, the most important first action is to determine whether there is a pulse. Checking for a pulse quickly tells you whether the child has circulating blood and if you should start CPR immediately. If there is no pulse, chest compressions must begin right away. If a pulse is present but the child isn’t breathing normally, you provide rescue breaths while continuing to monitor circulation. Pulse assessment should be done as a rapid check (about up to 10 seconds) to guide the next steps without delaying lifesaving care.

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