NRP Practice Test 2025 – Complete Exam Prep

The target heart rate for a newborn during resuscitation efforts is 120-160 beats per minute. This range is considered optimal for a newborn's circulatory stability and overall physiological function. Maintaining this heart rate is crucial, as it indicates adequate cardiac output and oxygen delivery to vital organs, which is essential during resuscitation.

When resuscitating a newborn, achieving a heart rate within this range helps to ensure that the infant is effectively responding to interventions such as positive pressure ventilation or chest compressions. A heart rate below 100 beats per minute may suggest inadequate perfusion or ineffective ventilation, necessitating further resuscitative measures. Conversely, a heart rate above 160 beats per minute could indicate tachycardia or stress, requiring assessment and appropriate management.

Understanding this target heart rate is vital for healthcare providers involved in neonatal care and resuscitation, as it serves as a critical parameter to monitor the infant's response to treatment during potentially life-threatening events.