Which action is necessary if a patient becomes unresponsive?

When a patient becomes unresponsive, one of the most critical actions is to secure the airway and assess breathing. This step is essential because an unresponsive patient may be at risk of airway obstruction due to loss of muscle tone, which can lead to respiratory failure or even cardiac arrest. By securing the airway, you ensure that the patient can breathe adequately, or you can provide ventilation if necessary.

Assessing breathing is equally important in determining the next course of action. If the patient is not breathing or breathing inadequately, immediate interventions such as rescue breathing or CPR may be required. This not only addresses the immediate life-threatening situation but also helps in maintaining oxygenation until further medical help arrives.

In contrast, simply attempting to elicit a response without addressing airway and breathing issues would risk compromising the patient's safety since unresponsiveness could indicate serious conditions like a head injury, stroke, or overdose. Starting CPR without assessing airway and breathing may be premature and can overlook other necessary interventions. Lastly, documenting the unresponsiveness without intervening fails to provide the timely care required in an emergency situation.