Gases Commonly Encountered in Underground Mines (17) Progress Indicator: Question 2 of 20 2.  The preferred way to check for breathing is: Choices: Place your hand on the chest and see if it moves with respiration Hold a candle to the nose and see if the flame moves with breathing Look at the chest to see if it rises and listen and feel for air coming from the person's nose or mouth Tickle them and see if they laugh