What should you do if the cardiac monitor indicates a heart rate of 70 bpm after 60 seconds of positive pressure ventilation?

When a cardiac monitor indicates a heart rate of 70 beats per minute after 60 seconds of positive pressure ventilation, the appropriate action is to stop chest compressions and continue with positive pressure ventilation. A heart rate of 70 bpm, while on the lower end of the normal range for adults, typically indicates the potential restoration of effective circulation or that the heart is functioning, albeit with some bradycardia.

In this scenario, the priority is to ensure that the patient is receiving adequate oxygenation. Continuing positive pressure ventilation helps to maintain oxygen levels in the blood, especially if the patient's heart rate has stabilized. If the heart rate were to remain low or further assess the situation, additional interventions might be considered, but stopping compressions allows for a more accurate assessment of the patient's condition and promotes better circulation without the disruptive effects of continued compressions.

The careful consideration here is ensuring that the patient is appropriately monitored and managed based on their heart rate and responsiveness to ventilation, rather than continuing invasive procedures like chest compressions which may no longer be necessary.