Final answer:
In response to the improvement seen in the apneic newborn after PPV, you should continue to closely monitor the baby's vital signs, reduce assistance as conditions stabilize, and ensure that the heart rate and breathing remain stable, while looking out for the Apgar score at the 1 and 5-minute marks.
Step-by-step explanation:
If you have administered Positive Pressure Ventilation (PPV) to an apneic newborn and observed a rapid increase in the baby's heart rate to 120 beats per minute, with an oxygen saturation (SpO₂) of 90% and the baby beginning to breathe spontaneously, your next steps should be to continue monitoring the baby closely. According to the Apgar score criteria, the most critical measurements are heart rate and respiration. In this case, with the observed heart rate and spontaneous breathing, the infant appears to be making a good transition from the womb and initial resuscitation efforts have been successful. As the baby's condition stabilizes, you can reduce the assistance provided, eventually discontinuing PPV if appropriate, and continue monitoring the infant to ensure that the heart rate and breathing remain stable and within normal ranges.
The baby's respiratory adaptations are important at this stage, as they adjust from receiving oxygenated blood via the placenta to breathing air and absorbing oxygen through their own lungs. Careful observation of skin color, reflexes, muscle tone, and overall response will also help you determine the baby's continuing care needs, bearing in mind the Apgar score assessment that will occur at the 1 and 5-minute marks after birth.