How many seconds should Valerie check for breathing and a central pulse when assessing Mr. Goodman, who is unresponsive?

In assessing an unresponsive patient like Mr. Goodman, it is crucial to check for breathing and a central pulse efficiently and accurately to determine the appropriate next steps for resuscitation. The recommended duration for checking these two vital signs is 10 seconds. This timeframe allows for a thorough assessment without delaying necessary interventions, such as initiating CPR if the patient is not breathing or does not have a pulse.

Checking for breathing involves looking, listening, and feeling for any signs of respiration, while checking for a central pulse typically includes feeling for the carotid pulse. The 10-second duration strikes a balance; it is long enough to make an accurate assessment but short enough to minimize the time the patient might potentially be without appropriate care. Following this established timeframe is crucial to adhering to clinical guidelines and ensuring prompt lifesaving actions can be initiated if necessary.