What is the appropriate compression to ventilation ratio for resuscitating a newborn with a heart rate less than 60 bpm?

The appropriate compression to ventilation ratio for resuscitating a newborn with a heart rate less than 60 beats per minute is indeed 3:1. This ratio is critical in neonatal resuscitation because when a newborn is not breathing adequately and has a low heart rate, effective chest compressions are essential to stimulate circulation.

In this scenario, compressions help maintain blood flow to vital organs, while ventilations provide the necessary oxygenation. The 3:1 ratio indicates that for every three chest compressions, one ventilation is given. This balance ensures that the newborn receives sufficient oxygen while still prioritizing the importance of maintaining blood circulation through compression. This ratio differs from adult resuscitation guidelines, highlighting the unique requirements of neonatal care.

The alternatives provided (5:1, 15:2, and 30:2) do not meet the specific needs for newborns in distress during resuscitation. Each of these ratios would either deliver too few ventilations or too many compressions, thereby compromising the efficacy of the resuscitation efforts. Understanding the correct ratio is vital for healthcare providers to effectively respond to neonatal emergencies.