Step 1: Neonatal resuscitation follows a stepwise algorithm. Initial steps include drying, warmth and gentle tactile stimulation; if the baby is not breathing, positive-pressure ventilation with oxygen is started, and if the heart rate stays below 60 per minute despite adequate ventilation, chest compressions are added. Step 2: Thus tactile stimulation (option c), oxygen and ventilation (option b) and chest compression (option a) are all legitimate, recommended steps for a depressed newborn. Step 3: Vigorous methods such as slapping the back or the buttocks are NOT recommended in modern neonatal resuscitation; they are potentially harmful and ineffective. Only gentle stimulation (flicking the soles, rubbing the back) is accepted. Step 4: Hence the EXCEPT answer is slapping the back (option d).