Final answer:
Positive Pressure Ventilation (PPV) should be provided to a newborn if they are apneic or have a heart rate below 100 beats per minute. Pulmonary surfactants can aid babies with respiratory distress, particularly preterm. An oximeter is used to assess the need for supplemental O2 when PPV or CPAP is initiated.
Step-by-step explanation:
Assist the baby's breathing by providing Positive Pressure Ventilation (PPV) if the baby is apneic or has a heart rate (HR) below a determined threshold, commonly 100 beats per minute. Administer pulmonary surfactant with a mask if the baby is breathing but showing persistent respiratory distress, especially in preterm babies. Attach an oximeter to determine the need for supplemental O2 if either PPV or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is initiated. Medical advances, including the use of ventilators, CPAP, pulmonary surfactant, and supplemental oxygen, have significantly improved the ability to treat Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) and reduce associated mortality rates by 50 percent.