How can you determine if you need to give rescue breaths?

The correct choice is based on understanding the fundamental signs that indicate a person may require rescue breaths during a CPR scenario. When assessing an unresponsive person, the key factor is whether they are breathing. If a person is not breathing at all or is breathing abnormally (such as gasping, which does not provide sufficient oxygen), this is an indication that their airway may be compromised and they are not receiving adequate oxygen.

In such a case, administering rescue breaths can help to provide oxygen directly to the lungs, which is crucial until normal breathing can be restored or emergency medical services arrive. Therefore, assessing the person's breathing status is pivotal in determining the need for intervention.

Normal breathing or having a pulse means the person is likely in a stable condition that does not require rescue breaths. Similarly, responsiveness alone does not assess the need for rescue breaths; a person may be responsive but still not breathing adequately. Only the absence of normal respiration or the presence of abnormal breathing confirms the need for rescue breaths.