If you do not see an obstruction after ventilation attempts, what should you do next?

The appropriate action after ventilation attempts that do not reveal an obstruction is to continue with cycles of compressions and ventilations. This approach aligns with the guidelines of basic life support (BLS) in situations where a patient is unresponsive and requires CPR.

When a patient shows signs of cardiac arrest, performing high-quality chest compressions is critical to maintaining blood flow to vital organs until advanced medical help arrives or the patient starts to recover. Continuing the cycles of compressions and ventilations ensures a consistent application of lifesaving measures without unnecessary interruptions.

In scenarios where ventilation attempts are ineffective and an obstruction isn't visible, it indicates that the issue may not be related to a physical blockage in the airway, but rather that the patient's heart may be in a state of arrest. By focusing on compressions and ventilations, you are actively managing the situation in a way that could restore circulation and breathing.

The other options, while seeking to address the patient's status, do not promote the uninterrupted, effective intervention of CPR that is needed. For instance, stopping to reassess could result in the loss of valuable time when immediate action is essential, and administering back blows wouldn't be appropriate if no obstruction is seen. Likewise, using an AED is important but typically follows the initial assessment