Final answer:
In NRP, the heart rate should be assessed every 60 seconds during chest compressions and ventilations to ensure effective resuscitation and to identify the need for continued intervention.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) guidelines, when administering chest compressions and ventilations to a newborn, it is important to assess the heart rate every 60 seconds. The goal of CPR in this context is to maintain the flow of blood until the heart resumes beating on its own, which is particularly critical for the brain because irreversible damage and death of neurons can occur within minutes of loss of blood flow. The heart rate is the most critical of the five Apgar criteria for assessing the immediate health of a newborn. If chest compressions are required, they should be performed at a rate of 100 compressions per minute, which is the rhythm of the song "Staying Alive" by the Bee Gees. Proper technique and positioning of the hands on the sternum, specifically between the lines at T4 and T9, are essential to ensure the effectiveness of CPR and to reduce the risk of injury to the infant.