What is the definition of 'rescue breathing'?

Rescue breathing is defined as delivering breaths to a patient who is not breathing but still has a pulse. This technique is essential in emergency situations where a patient has experienced respiratory arrest but retains cardiac function. The goal of rescue breathing is to provide oxygen to the lungs and ultimately to the body’s tissues and organs, while allowing the heart to continue pumping blood.

In this scenario, it is crucial to recognize the distinction between a patient who is breathing and one who is not. While a patient who is breathing may require assistance in different ways (such as supplemental oxygen), they do not need rescue breaths. Providing chest compressions is part of CPR and is performed on a patient who is unresponsive and has no pulse, therefore not applicable to rescue breathing. Giving supplemental oxygen is helpful in many respiratory situations, but it does not replace the need for rescue breathing when a person has stopped breathing altogether. Thus, option B accurately captures the purpose and methodology of rescue breathing.