When should supplemental oxygen be given to a newborn in distress?

Supplemental oxygen should be given to a newborn in distress particularly when there are clear indicators of hypoxia or if the oxygen saturation level falls below 90%. This response is guided by the need to ensure that the newborn has adequate oxygen supply to support vital functions and prevent potential complications associated with low oxygen levels.

Hypoxia can manifest in various ways, such as cyanosis (a bluish color of the skin), increased work of breathing, or lethargy. Monitoring oxygen saturation with a pulse oximeter is critical in assessing a newborn's respiratory status; readings below 90% indicate a need for immediate intervention to restore adequate oxygen levels. Providing supplemental oxygen in these situations helps to stabilize the newborn and support their overall health.

Administering oxygen based solely on the newborn's ability to cry, as in the first option, overlooks the more precise measures of respiratory health, which are critical in clinical settings. The other options are not based on an accurate assessment of the newborn's condition or may not appropriately address urgent needs for oxygen therapy.