Under what condition is resuscitation usually initiated for a newborn?

Resuscitation for a newborn is typically initiated when there are signs of inadequate breathing or heartbeat. This condition indicates that the newborn is not transitioning effectively to life outside the womb, which can lead to critical situations if not promptly addressed.

When a newborn has inadequate breathing, it often leads to low oxygen levels (hypoxia), and insufficient heart rate can result in inadequate perfusion of organs, leading to further complications. Early resuscitation in such scenarios is crucial to restore normal respiratory and cardiovascular function, thereby preventing potential neurological damage and mortality.

In contrast, a newborn that is active and crying is demonstrating effective breathing and circulation, which generally indicates that resuscitation is not necessary. Similarly, a newborn who is lethargic but stable may require monitoring rather than immediate resuscitative efforts, as stability indicates some level of adequate function. Lastly, a breathing newborn who is not crying should be evaluated closely, but they may still be transitioning normally without the need for resuscitation unless accompanied by signs of distress. Therefore, the scenario highlighting inadequate breathing or heartbeat clearly necessitates immediate action to ensure the newborn's wellbeing.