What is the recommended action for a person performing CPR alone on an adult patient?

The recommended action for a person performing CPR alone on an adult patient is to perform continuous compressions without ventilation. This approach is grounded in the understanding that high-quality chest compressions provide vital blood flow to the heart and brain, which is crucial during a cardiac arrest situation. The focus on continuous compressions increases the chance of survival, especially in the first few minutes of an emergency when outside help may not yet be available.

In situations where only one rescuer is present, providing continuous chest compressions ensures that the patient receives adequate circulation of oxygenated blood until advanced help arrives or an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) becomes available. This method also simplifies the process for the rescuer, allowing them to maintain focus and energy on delivering effective compressions, which are more critical in the early stages of CPR.

Ventilations can be incorporated later if an additional rescuer is present or if the rescuer is trained and comfortable delivering breaths. However, in the scenario given, the priority remains on maintaining blood circulation through compressions, making this approach the most effective and recommended practice.