The Patient Safety Officer must monitor for and alert others if the subject experiences which condition?

• A. Sings.
• B. Falls asleep.
• C. Stops breathing.
• D. Winks.

Answer: (C)

Stopping breathing signals a true emergency because it means respiratory arrest or airway obstruction is preventing oxygen from reaching the brain and other vital organs. When breathing stops, brain injury and death can occur within minutes unless rapid action is taken. The Patient Safety Officer must recognize this as a high-priority cue and immediately alert others to activate the emergency response so trained staff can assess, call for help, check for circulation, and begin CPR or use an AED if indicated. The other signs—singing, falling asleep, or winking—do not by themselves indicate an acute life-threatening event requiring immediate escalation.