How should you monitor the effectiveness of rescue breaths?

Monitoring the effectiveness of rescue breaths is crucial during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to ensure that the breaths are being delivered effectively and that air is reaching the lungs. Observing the rise and fall of the chest is a direct indicator that the breaths are entering the airway and filling the lungs with air. When the chest rises, it signifies that the ventilation is adequate and the patient is receiving the oxygen necessary for respiration.

In contrast, other options do not provide a clear indication of the effectiveness of the rescue breaths. Checking the pupils can indicate neurological response, but it does not assess how well oxygen is being delivered to the lungs. Feeling for a pulse is important in assessing circulation, but it does not inform you about the adequacy of ventilations. Listening for breath sounds may not be practical in an emergency setting and might not provide immediate feedback about the effectiveness of rescue breaths. Thus, watching for the chest to rise is the most reliable and straightforward method to monitor the delivery and effectiveness of rescue breaths during the resuscitation process.