Question
From the use of oxytocin to the completion of delivery, it took only 1 hour and 10 minutes. After delivery, the newborn’s entire body turned purple, indicating a 4-minute asphyxiation and oxygen deficiency. Due to a 3-minute delay in medical rescue, how long after neonatal asphyxia might death occur?
Answer
Neonatal asphyxia is a disease characterized by hypoxemia, hypercapnia, and acidosis, which usually occurs before, during, or after delivery due to various reasons causing fetal distress or respiratory and circulatory disorders during the birthing process. If the newborn cannot breathe autonomously or establish regular breathing within one minute after birth, and the asphyxia persists for more than five minutes, it will be difficult to rescue again. Therefore, the prolongation of asphyxia time has a significant impact on the newborn’s chance of survival.