After a newborn experiences apnea that resolves spontaneously after drying, what is the most appropriate next step?

• A. Administer chest compressions
• B. Initiate ventilation with a bag-valve mask
• C. Provide warmth and continue to monitor
• D. Place infant in cold environment to stimulate breathing

Answer: (C)

The key idea is that warming and drying are not just first steps; they can resolve cold-induced apnea in a newborn. If the infant has a brief apnea that improves once warmth is restored, the next move is to keep the baby warm and continue to monitor closely. Maintaining warmth supports metabolic and respiratory effort and helps prevent repeated pauses in breathing. If breathing remains regular and the heart rate stays adequate, no immediate intervention beyond observation is needed. Interventions like bag-valve-mask ventilation are reserved for cases where the baby does not resume breathing or the heart rate is low despite initial stimulation, and chest compressions are only indicated if the heart rate remains very low despite ventilation. Placing the infant in a cold environment to stimulate breathing is not appropriate, as cold stress can worsen apnea and hypoxia.