Final answer:
After a newborn is stable, key interventions include performing the Apgar test to assess overall well-being, establishing thermoregulation, and creating proper intestinal flora. In cases of premature infants or those with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), resuscitation, intubation, and various treatments and supportive therapies may be necessary.
Step-by-step explanation:
Once a newborn is stable, there are several interventions and assessments that are done to ensure a healthy transition from the womb to the external world. The first breath a newborn takes is crucial as it inflates the lungs and changes the circulatory system. The healthcare provider will assess the newborn's breathing effort, heart rate, muscle tone, skin color, and reflexes using the Apgar test, which was developed by Dr. Virginia Apgar in 1952. Newborns also undergo thermoregulation through the breakdown of brown adipose tissue and must establish a healthy balance of intestinal flora with the introduction of breast milk or formula. For premature infants or those with difficulty, resuscitation and possible intubation may be necessary, and treatments such as the application of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), pulmonary surfactant therapy, corticosteroids, supplemental oxygen, and assisted ventilation could be crucial. Supportive therapies, including temperature regulation, nutritional support, and antibiotics, may also be administered as needed.