What is the correct initial action when checking a patient's breathing?

The correct initial action when checking a patient's breathing is to look for chest rise and fall. This method allows you to quickly assess whether the patient is breathing adequately. Observing the chest for movement indicates if the patient is taking breaths and can help determine the effectiveness of their ventilation.

In emergency situations, it is crucial to assess breathing as part of the primary survey. Checking for chest rise and fall is a visual cue and can provide immediate information about the patient's respiratory status. This assessment is especially important because, if a patient is not breathing or is having difficulty breathing, it requires prompt intervention to ensure they receive appropriate care.

Listening for heart sounds is not a method used to assess breathing and is not typically part of the initial survey. Checking for active bleeding is important, but it is not directly related to assessing breathing. Performing abdominal thrusts is a procedure used for choking and not for assessing breathing. Thus, focusing on chest rise and fall provides the most relevant and immediate assessment needed in this scenario.