Question

You have been providing positive pressure ventilation to a 26 weeks gestation infant for 30 seconds with chest rise. She is now 2 minutes old, and the heart rate via pulse ox is 40 BPM. She is limp and making no respiratory effort. What should be the next step in resuscitation?

a) Continue positive pressure ventilation
b) Administer epinephrine
c) Intubate the trachea
d) Provide chest compressions

Answer 1

The next step in resuscitation for an infant with a heart rate below 60 BPM despite adequate positive pressure ventilation is to provide chest compressions, as per guidelines.

Step-by-step explanation:

The next step in resuscitation for a 26 weeks gestation infant who is now 2 minutes old, with a heart rate via pulse ox of 40 BPM and is limp with no respiratory effort, is to provide chest compressions. According to resuscitation guidelines, when an infant has a heart rate below 60 BPM despite adequate positive pressure ventilation for at least 30 seconds, chest compressions are indicated. Compressions should be coordinated with continued ventilation efforts to optimize resuscitation outcomes.