To assess for normal breathing in an unresponsive adult, what should you look for?

To assess for normal breathing in an unresponsive adult, observing for signs of breathing from the face and chest is crucial. This involves looking for the rise and fall of the chest, as well as any facial movements that indicate breath intake and exhalation. Normal breathing typically involves rhythmic and consistent chest movements, which are clear indicators of adequate ventilation and oxygen exchange in the body.

Visual cues like chest rise can help confirm that air is entering the lungs, while shallow or absent breathing may indicate a serious issue requiring immediate intervention. Since an unresponsive individual may not display other typical signs of life, such as movement or verbal responses, focusing on the chest and facial region is the most effective way to determine if they are breathing normally.

Other options include signs of pulse, which are not definitive for assessing breathing; movement of limbs, which is not relevant in assessing respiratory function; and skin color changes, which may be associated with other conditions but do not directly indicate normal breathing. Therefore, monitoring for movement in the chest and face provides the most accurate assessment of respiratory status in this scenario.