A nurse is caring for a newborn who has an Apgar score of 8 at one minute after birth and an Apgar score of 10 at five minutes after birth.
Which statement best describes this newborn’s condition?
The newborn had a difficult transition at birth but recovered quickly.
The newborn was in good condition at birth and improved further.
The newborn had some problems at birth but is now in excellent condition.
The newborn was in excellent condition at birth but deteriorated slightly.
The Correct Answer is C
The newborn had some problems at birth but is now in excellent condition.
The Apgar score is a method of assessing the health of a newborn on a scale of 0 to 10 based on five criteria: appearance, pulse, grimace, activity, and respiration.
A score of 7 to 10 indicates that the newborn is in good condition and does not need any special care.
A score of 4 to 6 indicates that the newborn has some problems and may need some assistance.
A score of 0 to 3 indicates that the newborn is in serious trouble and needs immediate medical attention.
Choice A is wrong because a score of 8 at one minute after birth does not indicate a difficult transition.
It means that the newborn had only minor problems and was in good condition.
Choice B is wrong because a score of 10 at five minutes after birth does not indicate an improvement from a score of 8.
It means that the newborn had no problems and was in excellent condition.
Choice D is wrong because a score of 10 at five minutes after birth does not indicate a deterioration from a score of 8.
It means that the newborn had no problems and was in excellent condition.
Normal ranges for the Apgar score are:
• At one minute after birth: 7 to 10
• At five minutes after birth: 8 to 10
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Place the newborn on the mother’s chest after delivery.This is because skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby promotes bonding and attachment, which are essential for the baby’s emotional and psychological development.Skin-to-skin contact also helps regulate the baby’s body temperature, heart rate, breathing and blood sugar levels.
Choice B is wrong because wrapping the newborn in a blanket reduces the skin-to-skin contact and may interfere with the bonding process.The father can also bond with the baby by holding him or her against his own skin.
Choice C is wrong because placing the newborn in an isolette separates the baby from the mother and prevents close interaction and communication.The baby may feel insecure and isolated in an isolette.
Choice D is wrong because dressing the newborn in a gown and hat also reduces the skin-to-skin contact and may delay the initiation of breastfeeding.The baby may also lose more heat through clothing than through direct contact with the mother’s body.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Monitor for signs of jaundice.A cephalohematoma is a collection of blood under the scalp that occurs due to trauma or pressure during delivery.It may increase the risk of jaundice in the newborn due to the breakdown of red blood cells and the release of bilirubin.Jaundice is a condition that causes yellowing of the skin and eyes due to high levels of bilirubin in the blood.Monitoring for signs of jaundice is important to prevent complications such as brain damage or kernicterus.
Apply pressure dressing over the area.This is wrong because applying pressure may increase the bleeding and cause more damage to the scalp and skull.A cephalohematoma does not require any treatment and usually resolves on its own within weeks or months.
Administer antibiotics as prescribed.This is wrong because antibiotics are not indicated for a cephalohematoma unless there is evidence of infection.Infection is a rare complication that may lead to osteomyelitis or meningitis.Antibiotics should be used only if prescribed by a doctor based on clinical signs and laboratory tests.
Elevate the head of the bed.This is wrong because elevating the head of the bed may not have any effect on a cephalohematoma.It may also cause discomfort or compromise the airway of the newborn.The position of the baby should be adjusted according to their comfort and safety.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.