You are in the delivery room caring for a preterm newborn at 27 weeks' gestation. the baby is 5 minutes old and breathing spontaneously. the baby's heart rate is 120 beats per minute and the oxygen saturation is 90% in room air. the baby's respirations are labored. what is an appropriate action?

Since the baby's respirations are labored and the o2 level is 90%, the appropriate action is to administer 5 cm of H2O continuous positive airway pressure also known as CPAP. This is a non-invasive way to give the baby oxygen without using a breathing tube. This will help to stabilize the breathing while delivering the oxygen.

In most cases, a baby will be connected to the CPAP via nasal prongs. There is a helmet that is also used, but the nasal prongs are used for more frequently for a baby under 3 months of age.

it'll be alright, just keep on going and keep your head up!