What should be done if a pulse is present but the child is unresponsive?

In a scenario where a child is unresponsive but has a pulse, initiating rescue breaths is the appropriate action. This is crucial because an unresponsive child may not be breathing adequately or at all. Providing rescue breaths helps ensure that oxygen is being delivered to the lungs and subsequently to the vital organs, preventing hypoxia and potential cardiac arrest.

Monitoring closely after the initiation of rescue breaths is equally important, as it allows the caregiver to evaluate the effectiveness of the breaths. If the child's condition deteriorates and the pulse becomes absent, the rescuer can then transition to performing chest compressions as needed.

The other options, such as starting chest compressions immediately, preparing for intubation, or administering intravenous fluids, are not suitable in this context since the presence of a pulse indicates that immediate chest compressions are not necessary at that moment. Intubation may be required later if the child's respiratory effort does not improve, but it is not the first step when the pulse is present. Additionally, giving intravenous fluids is not indicated simply because the child is unresponsive without further context concerning dehydration or fluid loss.