What should be administered if a patient is not breathing?

When assessing a patient who is not breathing, it is essential to provide immediate assistance to maintain oxygenation and prevent irreversible damage due to lack of oxygen. Administering five rescue breaths is an appropriate initial response when the patient is not breathing but still has a heartbeat. This technique helps to deliver oxygen directly into the lungs, which is crucial in sustaining circulation until further intervention can take place.

The focus in this situation is to establish and maintain adequate ventilation, as it directly impacts the patient's survival and recovery. Although performing CPR or other interventions may come into play, the priority for an unresponsive patient who isn't breathing is to ensure oxygen reaches their lungs first. Through rescue breaths, the immediate need for oxygenation is addressed, making this choice a critical step in the chain of survival.