What should you do if the patient has a pulse but is unresponsive?

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Prepare for the HeartCode ACLS Online Class with detailed questions and answers. Enhance your skills with concise explanations and hints for every question. Master the material for a high score on your exam!

When a patient has a pulse but is unresponsive, the primary concern is to ensure adequate airway management and proper oxygenation. The presence of a pulse indicates that the heart is still functioning to some extent, however, the patient's unresponsiveness could lead to airway complications, such as obstruction or respiratory distress.

Managing the airway involves positioning the patient properly, possibly using maneuvers like the chin lift or jaw thrust to open the airway, and providing supplemental oxygen if necessary to ensure that the patient is receiving adequate oxygenation. This is crucial as the brain is highly sensitive to oxygen deprivation and quick intervention can help prevent further deterioration.

Focusing solely on monitoring the patient, continuing CPR, or administering IV fluids may not address the immediate threat of airway compromise in an unresponsive individual. Therefore, managing the airway and providing oxygenation are vital steps in caring for a patient who is unresponsive but has a pulse, making it the correct approach in this situation.

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