which of the following actions should you perform in a pulse check for an unresponsive adult

For a pulse check in an unresponsive adult, use two to three fingers on the carotid artery in the neck and check for at least 5 seconds but no more than 10 seconds while also checking breathing.

Key actions in an adult pulse check

• Use the carotid artery on the side of the neck, between the windpipe and the large neck muscle, not the thumb or wrist.

• Place 2–3 fingertips (never the thumb) gently on this spot and feel for a pulse for at least 5 seconds but no more than 10 seconds.

• Check breathing at the same time by looking for chest rise and listening/feeling for air movement, rather than doing these steps separately.

• If a definite pulse is not felt within 10 seconds, treat it as no pulse and begin chest compressions and full CPR immediately.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Pressing too hard on the neck, which can occlude the artery and make the pulse harder to feel.

• Spending longer than 10 seconds searching for a pulse, which delays life‑saving compressions.

• Using the thumb to check the pulse, because it has its own strong pulse that can confuse the check.

In many first-aid and CPR courses today, lay rescuers are taught to skip pulse checks altogether and instead check only for breathing and responsiveness, then start compressions if the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally.

TL;DR: For an unresponsive adult, feel for a carotid pulse with 2–3 fingers for 5–10 seconds while checking breathing; if you are unsure or feel no pulse, start CPR immediately.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.