Neonatal resuscitation steps begin with drying, warming, and stimulation, followed by which initial intervention if needed?

• A. Positive-pressure ventilation with bag-and-mask ventilation
• B. Chest compressions
• C. Intubation
• D. Umbilical venous access

Answer: (A)

In newborn resuscitation, the first actions after drying, warming, and stimulation focus on getting the baby to breathe and establishing oxygen delivery. If the infant isn’t breathing well or the heart rate is not adequate, the next step is positive-pressure ventilation using a bag-and-mask. This immediate ventilation helps inflate the lungs, improve gas exchange, and raise the heart rate toward normal; it’s quick, noninvasive, and can be started right away without procedures. If ventilation is effective and the heart rate improves, you continue with monitoring. If the heart rate remains below 60 beats per minute after about 30 seconds of effective ventilation, then chest compressions are added to provide circulatory support. Intubation becomes necessary only if bag-and-mask ventilation isn’t delivering adequate ventilation or there are airway issues, and umbilical venous access is reserved for administering medications in longer or more complex resuscitations, not as the initial move.