Final answer:
If an infant or child is not breathing normally but has a pulse, rescue breathing should be initiated. The Apgar score must be considered, as it assesses critical health indicators like heart rate and respiration. Monitors based on electromagnetic induction can alert to breathing cessation in cases of sleep apnea.
Step-by-step explanation:
When an infant or child does not have normal breathing but has a pulse, the next step is to provide rescue breathing. The Apgar score, which assesses heart rate and respiration shortly after birth, is critical in evaluating the immediate health of a newborn. Scores of 8 or above are normal, while scores under 7 may require medical assistance.
Rescue breathing should be performed if a child has a pulse but is not breathing normally. In cases of sleep apnea, which can be especially concerning in infants leading to risks like sudden infant deaths (SID), monitors can alert parents to the cessation of breath. These monitors utilize electromagnetic induction to detect the expansion and contraction of the infant's chest, ensuring timely intervention if breathing stops.
If an infant has an Apgar score below 7, this may indicate the need for resuscitative efforts or medical stabilization. Furthermore, it's important to note that respiratory adjustments at birth are stimulated by factors like elevated carbon dioxide levels due to labor contractions. These adjustments include the transition from fetal respiration in amniotic fluid to breathing air, prompting the newborn's first breath, which alters the circulatory pattern to accommodate life outside the womb.