MCOLES State Licensing Practice Exam

What is the first thing to check if you suspect a baby is not breathing?

1. Check for a pulse at the wrist

2. Observe for chest movement

3. Assess color of the skin

4. Call for help immediately

The correct answer is: Observe for chest movement

The first thing to check if you suspect a baby is not breathing is to observe for chest movement. This is crucial because it directly indicates whether the baby is taking in air. In infants, breathing can sometimes be very subtle or even absent, so watching for any rise and fall of the chest is vital. If there are no visible chest movements, it suggests the possibility of respiratory arrest, and immediate further assessment and action are necessary. While checking for a pulse, assessing the color of the skin, and calling for help are all important steps in the overall assessment process, they follow the initial step of confirming whether the baby is breathing. Observing chest movement helps in determining the immediate course of action, making it the most logical first step in this situation.