What is a potential outcome of increased metabolic acidosis in a newborn during resuscitation?

Increased metabolic acidosis during resuscitation in a newborn can lead to decreased cardiac output. This occurs because metabolic acidosis can compromise the heart's ability to contract effectively. Acidosis affects the pH of the blood, altering the balance of electrolytes such as potassium and calcium, which are crucial for proper cardiac function. When the heart is unable to contract adequately, it can result in reduced cardiac output, meaning that less blood is being pumped throughout the body, which can further impair tissue perfusion and exacerbate the infant's condition.

The process of resuscitation itself aims to improve the overall condition of the neonate, and while interventions like ventilation can help correct hypoxia, they may not immediately counteract the detrimental effects of acidosis if not managed appropriately. Therefore, understanding the impact of metabolic acidosis is critical for making informed interventions during neonatal resuscitation.