For a newborn breathing at 48 breaths per minute with peripheral cyanosis, what is the appropriate action?

In the context of a newborn exhibiting a respiratory rate of 48 breaths per minute and peripheral cyanosis, the appropriate action is to ventilate via bag-valve mask at 20 breaths per minute. This approach is crucial because the elevated respiratory rate, along with cyanosis, suggests that the newborn is not effectively oxygenating their blood despite breathing rapidly.

Cyanosis indicates that the child is not getting enough oxygen, which can be due to several factors such as airway obstruction or inadequate ventilation. By using a bag-valve mask to provide positive pressure ventilation at a rate of 20 breaths per minute, the EMT can help ensure that the newborn receives adequate oxygen and can improve the situation more effectively than simply waiting or providing supplemental oxygen.

While administering oxygen via nasal cannula could provide some benefit, it may not be sufficient to address the immediate concern of ineffective breathing and potential respiratory failure. Monitoring vital signs and waiting would not be appropriate in this scenario, as it could lead to a deterioration in the newborn’s condition. Similarly, performing CPR immediately would be unnecessary unless the newborn is unresponsive and not breathing at all, as it would not address the immediate need for effective ventilation.