What physiological changes occur in a newborn after effective resuscitation?

After effective resuscitation, newborns typically exhibit several positive physiological changes, signaling that the intervention was successful. One of the most crucial indicators of successful resuscitation is the improvement in respiratory effort. This means that the newborn starts to breathe more effectively, which allows for better oxygen exchange and leads to an increase in oxygen saturation levels.

As the newborn’s respiratory function improves, the heart rate also tends to return to normal levels. This is a vital sign of improved cardiovascular stability, as an elevated heart rate is often seen in compromised neonates before resuscitation. The return to normal heart rate reflects the benefit of enhanced oxygenation and improved systemic circulation.

In essence, these changes culminate in the increased oxygen saturation, which is a key indicator of adequate oxygen delivery to tissues. The combination of improved respiratory effort, normalized heart rate, and elevated oxygen saturation are clear signs that resuscitation efforts have been effective, thereby confirming that option B captures the expected physiological changes following successful newborn resuscitation.