What should be administered next if drying and tactile stimulation fails to stimulate a newborn?

In situations where drying and tactile stimulation do not succeed in initiating proper respiratory effort in a newborn, administering supplemental oxygen is the appropriate next step. Newborns, especially those who are premature or have difficulty transitioning to extrauterine life, might require supplemental oxygen to ensure they are receiving adequate oxygenation. This is crucial for preventing hypoxia, which can lead to serious complications if not addressed promptly.

Providing oxygen will help improve the newborn's oxygen saturation levels, which can stimulate breathing by enhancing overall metabolic functions. It sets the stage for further interventions if the newborn does not respond to the supplemental oxygen alone.

While chest compressions, ventilations, or suctioning are important interventions in specific contexts, they are generally reserved for more severe or specific scenarios where major complications such as respiratory failure or cardiac arrest are evident. In this case, where the immediate concern is the failure to establish adequate respiratory effort, starting with oxygen therapy is the right approach.