What is the recommended initial action for adult rescue breathing?

The recommended initial action for adult rescue breathing is to provide two initial breaths. This is because, in a situation where an adult is not breathing but has a pulse, administering two breaths can help establish an adequate airway and provide oxygen to the lungs quickly. This initial action serves to effectively ventilate the patient's lungs before any further resuscitation efforts, such as chest compressions, are initiated.

Providing these breaths helps to minimize the potential for hypoxia, ensuring that the patient's vital organs receive oxygen. The technique involves sealing the patient's mouth and creating an airtight seal before delivering the breaths, which should last about one second each and should cause the chest to rise visibly.

In contrast, the other responses do not align with the immediate needs of an unresponsive adult who requires rescue breathing. While starting CPR immediately might be crucial if there’s no pulse, it is not the first step if the individual has a pulse but is not breathing. Similarly, one breath every 6-8 seconds is the guideline once rescue breaths are established, and abdominal thrusts are used to relieve choking, not for rescue breathing.