Final answer:
Critical vital signs during neonatal resuscitation are the newborn's heart rate and respiration, as these are the most critical assessments in an Apgar score. This scoring system helps healthcare providers to quickly assess the newborn's wellbeing and determine the need for resuscitation.
Step-by-step explanation:
During neonatal resuscitation, the critical vital signs to monitor are heart rate and respiration, as stated by the Apgar score system. The Apgar score, developed by Dr. Virginia Apgar in 1952, assesses five criteria: skin color, heart rate, reflexes, muscle tone, and respiration. Each criterion is graded on a scale of 0, 1, or 2, and the total score is taken at 1 minute and again at 5 minutes after birth. If a newborn has a score lower than 7 at the 5-minute assessment, this might signify a need for medical assistance, whereas a score below 5 may indicate an emergency.
Immediate attention to the newborn's heart rate and breathing pattern is crucial in neonatal resuscitation. Providers use these measurements along with observing muscle tone, reflexes, and skin color to evaluate a newborn's health and the need for further medical intervention. An Apgar score of 8 or above is generally considered normal, implying that the transition from the womb has been successful.