In pediatric care, especially for newborns, managing a situation where the heart rate is less than 60 beats per minute is critical. Such scenarios require immediate resuscitation efforts to stabilize the infant. The following methods are typically employed, except for one inappropriate method:
- Chest compression: This is a standard resuscitative measure used to increase cardiac output and oxygen delivery to vital organs. It is effective and recommended.
- Oxygen therapy: Providing oxygen helps to alleviate hypoxia, which is crucial in newborn resuscitation. It is a supportive therapy aimed at improving oxygen saturation.
- Tactile stimulation: Gentle tactile stimulation may aid in stimulating the newborn's respiratory effort if they are unresponsive or have a low heart rate.
- Slapping the back: This is inappropriate and not recommended for resuscitating newborns. It can cause harm and does not facilitate an increase in heart rate.
Therefore, among the options provided, slapping the back should not be used as a method to resuscitate a newborn with a heart rate of less than 60 beats per minute.