A laboring mother has recurrent late decelerations. At birth, the infant has a heart rate of 100, is not breathing, and is limp and bluish in color. What nursing action is best?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Late decelerations are a sign of fetal distress, often due to uteroplacental insufficiency, leading to hypoxia. An infant with a heart rate of 100, not breathing, limp, and bluish in color is showing signs of respiratory distress and hypoxia. The immediate priority is to establish effective ventilation to improve oxygenation, for which bag-and-mask ventilation is the most appropriate initial action. Chest compressions are indicated if the heart rate is below 60 bpm after adequate ventilation has been established and has not resulted in improvement. Direct tracheal suctioning is not the first step unless there is obvious obstruction in the airway or thick meconium staining. Obtaining a blood pressure reading is not a priority in the immediate resuscitation of a newborn.

A Laboring Mother Has Recurrent Late Decelerations