Mr. Henderson is unresponsive and not breathing, but has a pulse. What condition is he likely experiencing?

In the scenario where Mr. Henderson is unresponsive and not breathing but still has a pulse, he is likely experiencing respiratory arrest. This condition occurs when a person stops breathing adequately, yet the heart continues to beat, meaning there is still a pulse present. During respiratory arrest, the primary issue is the lack of effective ventilation, which can lead to a decrease in oxygen levels and an increase in carbon dioxide levels in the body.

In this case, immediate intervention is necessary to restore adequate breathing. A healthcare provider would typically initiate rescue breaths or positive pressure ventilation to address the absence of breathing while monitoring the pulse and ensuring that proper airway management techniques are used.

In contrast, cardiac arrest involves the absence of both breathing and pulse, making it a more critical condition where the heart has stopped beating. Respiratory distress signifies that the person is having difficulty breathing but may still be responsive and maintaining an adequate airway. Anaphylactic shock refers to a severe allergic reaction that affects breathing as well, usually accompanied by other symptoms, but it does not specifically entail an absence of breathing with a pulse still present.