What should you do if the chest does not begin to rise after the first breath during CPR?

When performing CPR, if the chest does not rise after the first rescue breath, it indicates that the airway may be obstructed. In this situation, it is crucial to take action to ensure that the airway is clear. Reopening the airway and giving a second breath is the appropriate response because it allows the rescuer to attempt to deliver oxygen again. Proper techniques, such as the head-tilt-chin-lift or jaw-thrust maneuver, may be employed to help achieve a clear airway.

It's key to remember that effective ventilation is an essential component of CPR, as it ensures oxygen is delivered to the lungs and, ultimately, to the vital organs. If the second breath also fails to result in the chest rising, further assessment for an obstruction should be conducted, but the immediate focus should remain on ensuring that breaths are being effectively delivered.

This strategy is critical since without effective ventilations, maintaining circulation through compressions alone may not be sufficient to promote recovery in an unresponsive individual suffering from respiratory or cardiac failure. Other options would not directly address the issue of potential airway obstruction.