Final answer:
When a newborn has a low heart rate or is not breathing, immediate resuscitation or stabilization is necessary. The Apgar score determines the health of the baby and the urgency of medical interventions. Scores below 7 after 5 minutes warrant emergency assistance, possibly including CPR or oxygen aid.
Step-by-step explanation:
Resuscitating a Newborn with Low Heart Rate or No Respiration
If a baby is not breathing or has a low heart rate after the initial steps of assessment, immediate medical attention is required to resuscitate or stabilize the newborn. The Apgar score, a quick test performed on a baby at 1 minute and 5 minutes after birth, assesses five criteria: skin color, heart rate, reflexes, muscle tone, and respiration. Each of these factors is given a score of 0, 1, or 2, with a combined score of 8 or above indicating that the baby is generally healthy. Scores below 7 at the 5-minute mark, and particularly ones below 5, call for emergency intervention. In such cases, a healthcare provider might administer oxygen aid, perform CPR, or take additional measures like intubation. Newborn resuscitation may be necessary when there are signs of distress or failure to establish adequate respiration after birth.
It's important to handle such situations promptly as failure to initiate breathing can lead to hypoxia and various complications. During the resuscitation process, the medical team will follow established protocols to ensure that the newborn receives the best possible care and has the chance to recover and stabilize. Apgar scores are a critical factor in determining the baby's immediate health and the urgency of interventions required.