Final answer:
During PPV, the baby's heart rate should be checked at regular intervals using a stethoscope or pulse oximeter. The Apgar score, including heart rate, is assessed at 1 minute and 5 minutes after birth. Scores below 7 may indicate the need for medical intervention.
Step-by-step explanation:
During Positive Pressure Ventilation (PPV), the baby's heart rate (HR) should be checked at intervals, typically after 15-30 seconds of the intervention. To measure the baby's HR, a stethoscope or pulse oximeter can be used. The Apgar score, which assesses five criteria including heart rate and respiration, is taken at 1 minute and then again at 5 minutes after birth. Each criterion is assigned a score of 0, 1, or 2, with the total score indicating how well the baby is transitioning from the womb. An Apgar score below 7 at the 5-minute mark suggests that the baby might need medical assistance.
If the baby's HR is below certain thresholds (critical values), the next steps in the resuscitation protocol must be followed, potentially including chest compressions or administration of medications. These critical values and the corresponding actions should be guided by established neonatal resuscitation algorithms and protocols.