When it is safe for you to approach a victim, you should attempt to determine the victim's responsiveness by ______.

To determine a victim's responsiveness effectively, the best approach is to use a combination of auditory and tactile stimuli. Tapping the victim and shouting addresses both aspects by producing sound and physical contact, allowing you to see if the victim reacts to either. This method is generally safe and provides a clear indication of whether the victim is conscious and aware of their surroundings.

Using a gentle shake and calling their name may also be a method to gauge responsiveness, but it relies on physical contact alone without the additional auditory cue, which may be less effective, especially in noisy environments. Likewise, looking for signs of breathing or checking their pulse are important steps in assessing a victim's overall condition, but they do not specifically measure responsiveness directly. Therefore, tapping and shouting is the most practical first step to assess if the victim needs immediate assistance or if they are alert and able to interact.