When is epinephrine indicated during resuscitation of a newborn?

Epinephrine is indicated during the resuscitation of a newborn specifically when effective ventilation fails to improve the heart rate. In situations where a newborn is experiencing significant bradycardia, particularly if the heart rate drops below 60 beats per minute, immediate effective ventilation is the first attempt at resuscitation. However, if after this intervention the heart rate does not improve, the administration of epinephrine may be necessary to stimulate the heart and improve circulation.

This is crucial because in neonatal resuscitation, ensuring adequate oxygenation and ventilation takes precedence; epinephrine is reserved for scenarios where these measures are insufficient. Therefore, the correct identification of this timing for epinephrine use reflects an understanding of the resuscitation algorithm and prioritizing interventions that most effectively address the underlying issues leading to bradycardia in newborns.