Apnea & Bradycardia Events in the NICU: A Review of the Pathophysiology

Apnea and Bradycardia in the NICU | NICU Nursing Education Apnea and bradycardia are among the most common events NICU nurses manage, especially in premature infants. In this Teach Me Tuesday, we take a deep dive into the physiology behind apnea and bradycardia, how they are connected, and how NICU nurses use assessment, intervention, and escalation of care to keep babies safe. In this video, we cover: • Immature brain–lung communication and why apnea occurs • How apnea leads to bradycardia • Recognizing real events vs monitor artifact • Why severe events change the clinical picture • Escalation of respiratory support as treatment — not failure • When apnea patterns no longer look like apnea of prematurity 👉 Does your unit have an apnea/bradycardia algorithm? Share your experience in the comments — and don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more NICU nursing education. This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always follow your institution’s policies and use your clinical judgment when caring for patients.