What does artificial respiration involve?

Artificial respiration specifically refers to the process of forcing air into the lungs of a person who is unable to breathe on their own. This can occur in situations such as drowning, choking, or medical emergencies where a person's respiratory system is compromised. The primary goal is to provide oxygen to the lungs and subsequently to the bloodstream, enabling oxygenation of the body despite the individual's inability to initiate breathing.

The other options describe different respiratory support methods or actions. Encouraging a patient to breathe on their own is not artificial respiration; rather, it involves supporting the natural breathing process. Administering oxygen through a mask can support an individual who is breathing but requires supplemental oxygen; it does not involve the manipulation necessary for artificial respiration. Performing chest compressions is essential in scenarios of cardiac arrest but does not constitute artificial respiration since it does not directly provide air to the lungs.