When should healthcare providers check for a pulse during CPR?

Checking for a pulse during CPR is critical for determining the appropriate intervention for an unresponsive victim. If the victim is unresponsive and not breathing, it indicates a severe emergency, such as cardiac arrest, where immediate action is required.

In this situation, it is essential to confirm the absence of a pulse to determine if high-quality chest compressions should begin immediately. If no pulse is detected, CPR should proceed with chest compressions without delay, as the chances of survival decrease significantly with every passing moment of inadequate blood flow.

The focus in a CPR scenario is on quickly assessing whether the patient needs intervention, rather than spending time to establish an airway or checking for breathing. Therefore, the correct answer emphasizes the priority of checking for a pulse when the victim is both unresponsive and not breathing, as this confirms the immediate need for resuscitation efforts.