If a baby reaches the stage of secondary apnea which of the following will occur?

• A. The blood pressure will rise
• B. The blood pressure will fall
• C. The heart rate will rise
• D. The heart rate will fall

Answer: (B)

During secondary apnea, the newborn experiences severe hypoxemia with no respiratory effort. As oxygen delivery worsens, myocardial function becomes depressed and perfusion declines, leading to a fall in blood pressure. This stage reflects advancing respiratory and circulatory collapse, so a drop in BP is the expected hemodynamic change. Immediate assisted ventilation is essential to reverse the hypoxia and stabilize both heart rate and blood pressure.