For a newborn with gestational age less than 24 weeks and no signs of life at birth, what is the recommended action?

For a newborn with gestational age less than 24 weeks and no signs of life at birth, what is the recommended action?

• A. CPR should be initiated
• B. Transport only
• C. CPR need not be initiated
• D. Perform resuscitation measures as per standard guidelines

Answer: (C)

The main idea is viability and when resuscitation is indicated for extremely preterm newborns. If a baby is less than 24 weeks gestation and there are no signs of life at birth, the chance of meaningful survival is extremely low, and the goals of care typically do not include aggressive resuscitation. In this scenario, initiating CPR is not recommended because it would very likely not alter the outcome and could prolong suffering or patient distress without benefit. Therefore, the appropriate action aligns with not starting CPR. Choices that suggest starting resuscitation or performing standard resuscitation measures don’t fit this situation, since those steps are reserved for infants with life signs or viable gestational ages where successful outcomes are possible. Transport-only or other alternatives don’t address the absence of life signs and the extremely limited viability at this gestational age.

The main idea is viability and when resuscitation is indicated for extremely preterm newborns. If a baby is less than 24 weeks gestation and there are no signs of life at birth, the chance of meaningful survival is extremely low, and the goals of care typically do not include aggressive resuscitation. In this scenario, initiating CPR is not recommended because it would very likely not alter the outcome and could prolong suffering or patient distress without benefit. Therefore, the appropriate action aligns with not starting CPR.

Choices that suggest starting resuscitation or performing standard resuscitation measures don’t fit this situation, since those steps are reserved for infants with life signs or viable gestational ages where successful outcomes are possible. Transport-only or other alternatives don’t address the absence of life signs and the extremely limited viability at this gestational age.