Upon initial contact with a patient who appears to be unresponsive, you should:

A. assess breathing depth and determine the respiratory rate.
B. squeeze the trapezius muscle to see if the patient responds.
C. attempt to elicit a verbal response by talking to the patient.
D. direct your partner to apply oxygen via a nonrebreathing mask.

Ans: C. attempt to elicit a verbal response by talking to the patient.