Newborn Resuscitation Skills Quiz

Global Context of Birth Asphyxia

• Annually, around one million babies die from asphyxia worldwide.
• Approximately 300,000 of these deaths occur in a specific country, representing one-third of the global total.

Importance of Resuscitation

• Resuscitation is a critical intervention addressing birth asphyxia directly at the moment it occurs.
• Anticipation of the need for resuscitation is essential for all birth attendants.

Skills Required for Birth Attendants

• Birth attendants must be skilled in:
  • Anticipation and preparation for potential asphyxia cases.
  • Timely recognition of asphyxia signs.
  • Quick and correct action to stabilize the newborn.
• Proficiency also requires having clean and functioning equipment readily available.

Key Principles of Resuscitation

• Adequate ventilation is prioritized over additional oxygen supply.
• Quick use of a bag and mask is prioritized over intubation in urgent situations.
• Resuscitation can be effectively initiated in various settings, even without oxygen.

Effectiveness of Resuscitation Techniques

• The effectiveness of the chosen ventilation device is secondary to the proper execution of techniques.
• Common reasons for resuscitation failure include:
  • Delayed recognition of asphyxia.
  • Slow response times.
  • Ineffective ventilation techniques.

Advanced Resuscitation Procedures

• Advanced procedures such as chest compression and intubation are seldom required.
• Indications for these procedures are specific and should be performed by experienced personnel.

Challenges in Resuscitation

• Basic equipment is often scarce, and skilled health workers are limited in many areas.
• Typically, only one birth attendant is present to assist both mother and newborn, stressing the importance of effective basic resuscitation.

Objectives of Basic Newborn Resuscitation

• Basic newborn resuscitation includes:
  • Establishing and maintaining a clear airway.
  • Providing ventilation support to the newborn.
  • Ensuring adequate oxygenation and circulation.
• Basic resuscitation does not encompass advanced interventions like intubation, chest compressions, or drug administration.

Assessment of Newborn's Gestational Age

• Determine if the baby appears term or preterm based on physical characteristics.
• Preterm babies (less than 37 weeks’ gestation) may require additional interventions during transition to extrauterine life.
• Initial steps for preterm newborns should occur in a radiant warmer due to risks like lung expansion difficulties, respiratory effort challenges, and body temperature regulation.
• Late-preterm infants (34 to 36 weeks) with stable vital signs and good respiratory effort can be with the mother shortly after birth.

Evaluation of Muscle Tone

• Muscle tone assessment should involve observing the baby’s activity and limb positioning.
• Healthy term infants exhibit active behavior and flexed extremities.
• Babies needing intervention may show signs of flaccidity and extended limbs, necessitating further evaluation.

Assessment of Respiratory Effort

• A vigorous cry indicates effective respiratory function and strong respiratory effort in newborns.
• If the baby is not crying, observe for chest movements to assess breathing.
• Be cautious of the distinction between normal breathing and gasping; gasping suggests severe impairment in gas exchange and requires urgent intervention.
• Babies exhibiting gasping should be immediately taken to the radiant warmer for assistance.