Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Practice Exam 2026 - Free ACLS Practice Questions and Study Guide

When a patient suddenly loses consciousness and is not breathing, beginning chest compressions is the most critical and immediate action to take. This is because the absence of breathing signifies that the patient may not be receiving adequate oxygenation, which can lead to irreversible brain damage or death if not addressed promptly.

Chest compressions serve both to manually circulate blood and to provide some degree of oxygenation to the organs. By compressing the chest, you help maintain blood flow to vital organs, especially the heart and brain, until more advanced medical help can arrive or until the patient returns to a state of consciousness and normal breathing.

While checking for a pulse or calling for advanced help are important steps in a complete resuscitation protocol, they should not delay the initiation of compressions. In cardiac arrest scenarios, every second counts, and immediate chest compressions can significantly improve the chances of survival and recovery. Administering rescue breaths, while a part of rescue breathing protocols, is not considered the priority when a patient is found to be unresponsive and not breathing.

Thus, initiating chest compressions right away is the most effective response in this critical situation.