Final answer:
Initiating positive-pressure ventilations is the correct response for a newborn with spontaneous breathing but a heart rate below 100 beats/min. The Apgar score is likely indicating distress, making immediate medical intervention necessary.
Step-by-step explanation:
Upon assessing a newborn who is breathing spontaneously and has a heart rate of 80 beats/min, the correct action would be to initiate positive-pressure ventilations (PPV). The newborn's heart rate is below the normal range, which is generally considered to be above 100 beats/min for a newborn. PPV will assist the infant in achieving adequate ventilation and oxygenation. This process is critical because it helps to ensure that the baby's organs receive sufficient oxygen to function properly. In the context of the Apgar score, this situation indicates that the baby may be in distress, as heart rate and respiration are the most critical measurements and the score is likely below the acceptable range. Therefore, swift medical intervention is required.
Considering the importance of an infant's first breath, which alters the circulatory pattern to transition from the womb to outside life, it is critical that the baby begins to breathe effectively as soon as possible. If the newborn's condition does not improve with positive-pressure ventilations, more aggressive resuscitative measures may need to be considered, such as chest compressions and contacting medical control for further assistance.