When the newborn's pulse rate is less than 60 beats per minute, which intervention should be initiated?

Study for the Sacramento State Medic Module 6 Test. Engage with flashcards and multiple-choice questions with detailed explanations. Prepare thoroughly for your assessment!

Multiple Choice

When the newborn's pulse rate is less than 60 beats per minute, which intervention should be initiated?

Explanation:
When a newborn’s heart rate falls below 60 bpm, perfusion is critically compromised. The priority is to restore circulation while continuing to oxygenate. Start chest compressions immediately and maintain positive-pressure ventilation, delivering 100% oxygen to maximize oxygen delivery to the blood. This combination improves coronary and cerebral perfusion and helps raise the heart rate. Epinephrine is reserved for persistent bradycardia after CPR and ventilation, and observation or ventilation alone won’t correct the inadequate perfusion.

When a newborn’s heart rate falls below 60 bpm, perfusion is critically compromised. The priority is to restore circulation while continuing to oxygenate. Start chest compressions immediately and maintain positive-pressure ventilation, delivering 100% oxygen to maximize oxygen delivery to the blood. This combination improves coronary and cerebral perfusion and helps raise the heart rate. Epinephrine is reserved for persistent bradycardia after CPR and ventilation, and observation or ventilation alone won’t correct the inadequate perfusion.

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