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Newborn poor transition — DipIMC MCQ

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ModerateResuscitationNewborn poor transitionDipIMC

A term baby is born unexpectedly at home. After drying and stimulation, the baby is floppy, gasping and heart rate is 70/min. What is the most appropriate immediate action?

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Correct answer: AOpen the airway and give five inflation breaths using room air

Open the airway and give five inflation breaths using room air is the best answer because newborn resuscitation prioritises lung aeration with initial inflation breaths when breathing is inadequate. Transport without treating the identified time-critical problem is less appropriate because movement alone may not reverse the immediate physiology; Wait for imaging before intervening is less appropriate because imaging is not available or appropriate before treating a clinical life threat. Perform a full secondary survey before treating the abnormality and Delay intervention until arrival at hospital are also suboptimal because they move attention away from the key pre-hospital priority.. The key DipIMC principle is to treat immediate reversible threats, communicate clearly and move the patient toward the right definitive care.

Reference: Resuscitation Council UK Guidelines; JRCALC Guidelines