A nurse observes that a newborn has a pink trunk and head, bluish hands and feet, and flexed extremities 5 min after delivery. He has a weak and
slow cry, a heart rate of 130/min, and cries in response to suctioning. The nurse should document what Apgar score for this infant?
The Correct Answer is ["8"]
In the scenario provided, the Apgar score is calculated as follows:
- Appearance (skin color): The newborn has a pink trunk and head with bluish hands and feet, which scores 1 point.
- Pulse (heart rate): The heart rate is 130/min, which is above 100/min, so this scores 2 points.
- Grimace response (reflex irritability): The newborn cries in response to suctioning, which scores 2 points.
- Activity (muscle tone): The newborn has flexed extremities, which scores 2 points.
- Respiration (breathing effort): The cry is weak and slow, which scores 1 point.
Adding these up gives us a total Apgar score of 8 out of a possible 10 points.
Appearance (skin color): Normally, a score of 2 is given if the entire body is pink, 1 for pink body but blue extremities, and 0 if the whole body is pale or blue. The newborn's pink trunk and head with bluish hands and feet warrant a score of 1.
Pulse (heart rate): A score of 2 is given for a heart rate above 100/min, 1 for below 100/min, and 0 if there is no heartbeat. The newborn's heart rate of 130/min earns a score of 2.
Grimace response (reflex irritability): A score of 2 is given for a sneeze, cough, or vigorous cry, 1 for a grimace or feeble cry upon stimulation, and 0 for no response. The newborn's crying in response to suctioning gets a score of 2.
Activity (muscle tone): A score of 2 is given for active motion, 1 for some muscle tone and flexion of extremities, and 0 for limpness. The newborn's flexed extremities give a score of 2.
Respiration (breathing effort): A score of 2 is given for a good, strong cry, 1 for slow or irregular breathing, and 0 for no breathing. The newborn's weak and slow cry results in a score of 1.
The Apgar score helps the healthcare team decide if the newborn needs immediate medical care. A score of 7-10 is generally normal, 4-6 fairly low, and 3 and below critically low. An Apgar score of 8 indicates that the newborn is in good health but may need some medical attention, likely due to the weak and slow cry.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: During the taking-in phase, the mother is often passive and may not yet show eagerness to learn newborn care skills. This phase is more about recovery and processing the birth experience.
Choice B reason: Lack of appetite might be present immediately after birth due to the exertion and possible nausea, but it is not a defining characteristic of the taking-in phase. The mother's appetite usually returns as she begins to recover.
Choice C reason: Expressions of excitement are common as the mother relives the delivery experience and begins to bond with the baby. This emotional response is part of the taking-in phase, where the mother is focused on her own experience and the reality of becoming a parent.
Choice D reason: While the focus on the family unit is important, during the taking-in phase, the mother is primarily oriented to her own needs and recovery. The focus on family members and the broader family unit becomes more prominent in the subsequent taking-hold phase.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Methylergonovine is used postpartum to prevent or control uterine bleeding by causing the uterus to contract. A firm fundus upon palpation indicates that the uterus is contracting well, which helps to compress the blood vessels and prevent excessive bleeding. This is the expected outcome when methylergonovine is effective.
Choice B reason:
The absence of breast pain is not directly related to the effectiveness of methylergonovine. Breast pain or engorgement typically occurs when milk comes in a few days postpartum and is not influenced by uterotonic medications.
Choice C reason:
An increase in lochia, or postpartum vaginal discharge, is not an indicator of methylergonovine's effectiveness. Lochia will naturally change and decrease as the postpartum period progresses and is not directly affected by the medication.
Choice D reason:
An increase in blood pressure is not an expected effect of methylergonovine and could indicate a side effect or complication. Methylergonovine can cause hypertension as a side effect, so an increase in blood pressure would warrant further assessment rather than indicating effectiveness.
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