Question

A full-term newborn has a heart rate less than 60 beats per minute despite 30 seconds of bag-and-mask ventilation. Your team plans to intubate. Which of the following is a true statement regarding the procedure?

a) Intubation is typically the first-line intervention for bradycardia in a newborn.
b) Intubation is not recommended in this situation; alternative interventions should be considered.
c) Intubation should be performed only if the heart rate remains below 40 beats per minute.
d) Intubation is primarily used for ventilation, not for addressing bradycardia.

Answer 1

Intubation is used primarily for ventilation and could help improve the heart rate if bradycardia is caused by hypoxia. It is not specifically an intervention for bradycardia itself, which may require additional measures such as chest compressions or medication if the heart rate remains low after ensuring adequate oxygenation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct answer is d) Intubation is primarily used for ventilation, not for addressing bradycardia. In the case of a full-term newborn with a heart rate less than 60 beats per minute even after 30 seconds of bag-and-mask ventilation, the immediate concern is ensuring adequate oxygenation and ventilation to improve the heart rate and overall condition. Intubation provides a secured airway and facilitates the delivery of adequate oxygen to the lungs, which in turn can help the heart rate recover if the bradycardia is due to hypoxia. However, if the heart rate remains low, additional interventions such as chest compressions and medications may be necessary. It's important to note that the Apgar score, which includes assessment of heart rate and respiration, is critical in determining the newborn's condition and guiding treatment steps.