Final answer:
When a baby is apneic, gasping, or has a heart rate of less than 100 bpm, administering PPV (positive pressure ventilation) is the immediate step required. This action is crucial for assisting the infant's breathing and increasing the heart rate to a stable level.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a baby is apneic, gasping, or has a heart rate of less than 100 bpm after the initial steps of resuscitation, the correct action to take is to administer PPV (positive pressure ventilation) immediately. Positive pressure ventilation is crucial in supporting the infant's breathing and improving oxygenation, which is essential for stabilizing the heart rate. In newborn resuscitation, PPV can be a lifesaving intervention, especially when the baby is not breathing effectively on their own or the heart rate is below the critical threshold of 100 beats per minute.
In the context of the Apgar score, which assesses heart rate and respiration among other criteria immediately after birth, a low score (especially if below 7 at the 5-minute assessment) often necessitates medical intervention. The Apgar score helps medical professionals quickly determine the newborn's condition and whether resuscitative efforts like PPV are required. Additionally, conditions such as RDS (respiratory distress syndrome) might require advanced resuscitative measures like intubation and ventilator support if the infant does not breathe spontaneously or requires additional respiratory support.