What priority action should a nurse take when finding a child who is not breathing?

In situations where a child is found unresponsive and not breathing, the priority action is to ensure adequate circulation and oxygenation to vital organs. Starting chest compressions is crucial because it helps maintain blood flow to the heart and brain during respiratory arrest. Chest compressions can be life-saving by promoting perfusion even when breathing has ceased, buying valuable time until advanced medical help can be provided.

Although clearing the airway is important and can be part of the resuscitation process, the immediate focus in an unresponsive, apneic child should be on creating circulation. Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation might be necessary subsequently, but it requires a clear airway and the adequacy of chest compressions first, especially if there is no pulse. Oxygen therapy, while important for patients requiring respiratory support, is not the initial action to restore circulation in a child who is not breathing.

Thus, starting chest compressions directly addresses the critical need for oxygenated blood flow during a respiratory emergency, making it the primary response choice in this scenario.