Question

A newborn is listless and has a heart rate of 50 beats per minute after 30 seconds of stimulation. You should FIRST:

A) initiate positive pressure ventilation.

B) begin chest compressions.

C) obtain IV access.

D) apply the AED.

Answer 1

In response to a newborn with a heart rate of 50 BPM after stimulation, the immediate and correct first action is to initiate positive pressure ventilation. This addresses the first of the most critical Apgar criteria, which are heart rate and respiration.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student is asking about the appropriate first response when dealing with a newborn that is listless and has a low heart rate after stimulation. Given the critical nature of heart rate and respiration in the Apgar score, which assesses a newborn's health immediately after birth, the correct first action would be to initiate positive pressure ventilation (PPV).

According to resuscitation guidelines, PPV should be administered when a newborn's heart rate is below 60 beats per minute after 30 seconds of effective stimulated breathing. If the heart rate remains below 60 BPM despite 30 seconds of PPV, chest compressions should be initiated. Since the scenario only describes 30 seconds of stimulation with a heart rate of 50 BPM, immediate initiation of PPV is warranted. Securing IV access and applying an AED are subsequent steps if initial resuscitation efforts do not result in a significant improvement in the newborn's condition.