Which statement best describes gasping during assessment?

Which statement best describes gasping during assessment?

• A. Gasping is not normal breathing and is a sign of cardiac arrest
• B. Gasping is normal breathing
• C. Gasping indicates the heart is beating normally
• D. Gasping only occurs in infants

Answer: (A)

Gasping during assessment is not normal breathing. These occasional, irregular breaths—often called agonal breaths—can occur when the heart has stopped and are not effective ventilation. Because they don’t provide adequate oxygen delivery, you should not rely on them as signs of normal breathing. If someone is unresponsive and not breathing normally (or only gasping), treat it as a medical emergency and start CPR immediately, calling for help and using an AED as soon as available. Gasps can occur in adults and children, not just infants, so the presence of gasping does not rule out cardiac arrest. In practice, you would begin high‑quality chest compressions right away, and if trained, incorporate rescue breaths as appropriate.

Gasping during assessment is not normal breathing. These occasional, irregular breaths—often called agonal breaths—can occur when the heart has stopped and are not effective ventilation. Because they don’t provide adequate oxygen delivery, you should not rely on them as signs of normal breathing. If someone is unresponsive and not breathing normally (or only gasping), treat it as a medical emergency and start CPR immediately, calling for help and using an AED as soon as available. Gasps can occur in adults and children, not just infants, so the presence of gasping does not rule out cardiac arrest. In practice, you would begin high‑quality chest compressions right away, and if trained, incorporate rescue breaths as appropriate.