What is the first intervention for apnea of prematurity?

The first intervention for apnea of prematurity is indeed mild tactile stimulation. This approach is typically used to gently encourage the premature infant to breathe when they experience episodes of apnea, which is characterized by pauses in breathing that can last for more than 20 seconds or are associated with bradycardia (slow heart rate).

Mild tactile stimulation can be as simple as gently rubbing the back or tapping the infant's foot, which helps stimulate the central nervous system and prompts respiratory effort. This method is non-invasive and is a first-line response before considering more aggressive interventions, showcasing the importance of basic bedside care in managing this condition.

Other options, while relevant to the management of apnea of prematurity, are not the first-line interventions. Positioning the baby upright may provide comfort and further assist respiration but is not typically the immediate response to apnea episodes. Administering caffeine is a common treatment to stimulate breathing in cases of apnea, but it is generally considered if apnea persists despite initial tactile stimulation. Using a mechanical ventilator is reserved for more severe cases where there is a significant compromise in the infant's respiratory status, making it a later intervention when other strategies have failed.