Question

You attend a C-section of a full-term baby in breech position, she is born at 03:34 and is handed to the neonatal resuscitation team by the physician. She is limp and blue and does not appear to be breathing. Thirty seconds later, the newborn is taking a few gasping breaths, has central cyanosis, and is still limp. The nurse palpates a pulse of 80 bpm. What should the team's next step be?

a) Initiate positive pressure ventilation
b) Administer epinephrine
c) Assess temperature
d) Begin chest compressions

Answer 1

The neonatal resuscitation team should initiate positive pressure ventilation for the full-term baby who shows signs of respiratory distress and has a heart rate of 80 bpm.

Step-by-step explanation:

The neonatal resuscitation team's next step for a full-term baby who is taking a few gasping breaths, has central cyanosis, is still limp, and has a palpated pulse of 80 bpm is to initiate positive pressure ventilation. This intervention is indicated to support the newborn's inadequate respiratory effort and improve oxygenation. The heart rate of less than 100 bpm, coupled with insufficient respiration, necessitates prompt ventilation support. Administering epinephrine, assessing temperature, or beginning chest compressions would not be the immediate steps unless the heart rate was below 60 bpm despite adequate ventilation or there were other indications depending on the circumstances and subsequent assessment.