What should a nurse do for a newborn with irregular respirations and brief periods of apnea?

In the case of a newborn experiencing irregular respirations and brief periods of apnea, the appropriate action is to continue monitoring the infant. This is because occasional irregular breathing and short episodes of apnea are common in newborns, particularly preterm infants, and often resolve on their own without intervention.

Monitoring allows the healthcare provider to observe the frequency and duration of the apnea episodes to determine if they are a normal part of the newborn's development or if they indicate a need for further evaluation. Continuous observation helps ensure that any changes in the newborn's condition can be promptly identified and addressed if necessary.

While oxygen administration is essential in certain situations involving respiratory distress, immediate administration should be reserved for cases where the infant shows signs of significant hypoxia or requires respiratory support. Notifying the physician could also be warranted in some contexts; however, if the episodes are brief and infrequent, proactive intervention might not be needed yet. Starting resuscitation protocols would only be indicated in cases of life-threatening situations, which does not typically apply to brief, irregular apnea in otherwise stable newborns.