After delivering a premature baby with a heart rate of 90 beats/min, what is your next step?

The next step after delivering a premature baby with a heart rate of 90 beats per minute is to keep the infant warm and provide ventilatory assistance. A heart rate of 90 beats per minute indicates that the baby is bradycardic, as a normal heart rate for a newborn is typically above 100 beats per minute.

In this scenario, the primary concerns for a premature neonate include maintaining body temperature and ensuring that the baby is able to breathe effectively. Premature babies are particularly vulnerable to hypothermia, so keeping the infant warm is crucial. Additionally, providing ventilatory assistance is necessary because the baby is likely having difficulty maintaining adequate oxygenation and ventilation given the low heart rate. The focus should be on stabilizing the infant’s condition by addressing the immediate needs for warmth and respiratory support.

Other options do not directly address the most pressing concerns of the premature baby’s condition. While assessment of skin color and providing oxygen is important, it does not proactively address the low heart rate and need for respiratory support. Clamping and cutting the umbilical cord might be routine but is not the immediate priority after noticing bradycardia. Moreover, beginning chest compressions would be too aggressive at this initial stage given the heart rate, which