What action should be taken if a newborn is apneic with a heart rate of less than 100?

When a newborn is apneic and has a heart rate of less than 100 beats per minute, the primary and immediate action is to provide positive pressure ventilation. Using a bag-valve-mask (BVM) to ventilate at a rate of 40 to 60 breaths per minute is appropriate in this situation. The goal is to manage the inadequate respiratory effort and improve oxygenation, as newborns have a high oxygen demand and can deteriorate quickly without proper ventilation support.

Delivering breaths at this rate allows for sufficient gas exchange while ensuring that the baby receives the needed oxygen. This action helps to stimulate breathing and potentially allows the heart rate to rise as the newborn receives adequate oxygen. The focus is on improving ventilation first, as unsuccessful attempts to ventilate can lead to further complications.

Other options may not address the immediate need for oxygen and ventilation. For example, chest compressions are recommended only when the heart rate drops significantly below 60 beats per minute or if there is no pulse, which is not the case here. Administering epinephrine is more suitable for cardiac arrest scenarios and would usually be considered after other interventions if the heart rate does not improve. Waiting for stabilization is not appropriate since prompt action is crucial when a newborn is