What should be the first step in managing a patient who is unconscious but breathing?

For a patient who is unconscious but still breathing, the first step in management is to place the patient in the recovery position. This position helps to maintain a clear airway and reduces the risk of aspiration, which is critical in an unconscious patient who may have decreased gag reflexes. Ensuring that the airway is protected is essential, as unconscious individuals may not be able to protect their airways due to impaired reflexes.

While administering oxygen, checking for responsiveness, and beginning CPR are all important components of patient care, they are not the immediate first step in this scenario. Administering oxygen typically follows ensuring the patient is in a position that optimally maintains their airway. Checking for responsiveness is not necessary if the patient is already known to be unconscious. CPR is only indicated if there is no breathing or pulse, which is not the case here since the patient is breathing, albeit unconscious. Thus, placing the patient in the recovery position is the most effective first action.