Which of the following indicators would suggest successful ventilation after applying PPV?

Successful ventilation after administering Positive Pressure Ventilation (PPV) is indicated by a combination of physiological changes that suggest the newborn is effectively transitioning from assisted ventilation to spontaneous breathing. The presence of a rising heart rate and spontaneous breathing indicates that the infant is beginning to stabilize and initiate breathing on their own.

When PPV is effective, the improved ventilation leads to adequate oxygenation and subsequent activation of the respiratory centers in the brain. This results in an increase in heart rate as the body responds positively to improved oxygen delivery, reflecting restored cardiovascular function. Spontaneous breathing suggests that the infant is no longer solely reliant on mechanical support, demonstrating improved respiratory muscle function and overall stabilization.

While increased respiratory effort and stable heart rate (the other indicators) are relevant in assessing the newborn's condition, these factors alone do not provide as comprehensive a picture of successful ventilation as the combination of rising heart rate and spontaneous breathing does. Improved oxygen saturation is also important, but it is a more indirect indicator and does not necessarily confirm the newborn’s ability to maintain adequate respiratory function independently. Therefore, the combination of rising heart rate and spontaneous breathing is the strongest evidence of successful ventilation following PPV.