Your EMR's adult patient was unconscious, with no signs of injury or illness. During the ongoing assessment, the EMR determines a respiratory rate of 4 breaths per minute. What should the EMR do?

In this scenario, the respiratory rate of 4 breaths per minute indicates that the patient is experiencing respiratory failure, as this rate is significantly lower than the normal range for adults, which is typically between 12 and 20 breaths per minute. When a patient has an inadequate respiratory rate, it is essential to initiate artificial ventilation to ensure that enough oxygen is being delivered to the lungs and, subsequently, to the vital organs.

By ventilating the patient, the EMR is providing much-needed positive pressure ventilation to help maintain adequate oxygenation and carbon dioxide removal until more advanced care can be administered. This step is crucial, as inadequate breathing can lead to severe hypoxia, brain damage, or even death if not addressed quickly.

Assessment for a pulse or starting CPR would be more appropriate if the patient were unresponsive and also pulseless, which is not indicated in this scenario. Administering supplemental oxygen alone would not suffice, as the patient requires immediate assistance with breathing.