What should the nurse do first when finding an unconscious child who is not breathing and has no pulse?

Study for the Registration Exam for Practical Nursing (REx-PN). Prepare with flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

In an emergency scenario involving an unconscious child who is not breathing and has no pulse, the immediate priority is to initiate effective chest compressions to maintain blood circulation and oxygen delivery to vital organs. The rationale behind starting CPR right away is that every moment counts when it comes to the survival of a child in cardiac arrest.

The recommendation to give 2 minutes of CPR first is aligned with guidelines that emphasize the importance of high-quality chest compressions and ample ventilations. This early intervention can help restore the child's heart rhythm and improve the chances of successful resuscitation when emergency services arrive.

In terms of assessing the other options, they typically involve delays in beginning CPR or prioritizing finding help over immediate resuscitation efforts, which is not ideal in life-threatening situations. Early CPR can lead to better outcomes, making the choice to start CPR immediately before seeking further assistance crucial for the child's survival.

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