Erin gives birth to a boy. The nurse notes the following on the baby at 1 minute: heart rate is 138 bpm, loud vigorous crying, spontaneous movement and flexion of the extremities, and pink skin color except for a bluish color of the hands and feet. What Apgar score will be assigned to the baby?
7.
8.
9.
10.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason:
Choice A is incorrect because an Apgar score of 7 would not be appropriate for the described condition. An Apgar score of 7-10 is considered normal for a baby at 1 minute after birth. This baby shows positive signs such as a heart rate of 138 bpm, loud vigorous crying, spontaneous movement and flexion of the extremities, and pink skin color except for a bluish color of the hands and feet, which indicate good overall health.
Choice B reason:
Choice B is the correct answer. An Apgar score of 8 is appropriate for the described condition.
The Apgar score evaluates the baby's condition at 1 minute after birth based on five criteria: heart rate, respiratory effort, muscle tone, reflex irritability, and color. Each criterion is scored from 0 to 2, and the scores are summed up to determine the overall Apgar score. In this case, the baby exhibits positive signs in most of the criteria, resulting in an Apgar score of 8.
Choice C reason:
Choice C is incorrect because an Apgar score of 9 would be too high for the baby's condition. While the baby is exhibiting positive signs, there are still some concerns such as the bluish color of the hands and feet, which may indicate some minor circulation issues.
Choice D reason:
Choice D is also incorrect because an Apgar score of 10 is the highest possible score, and it is typically given to babies who exhibit absolutely no signs of distress or health issues at 1 minute after birth. While this baby shows mostly positive signs, the bluish color of the hands and feet suggests that there might be some minor health concerns, justifying an Apgar score of 8.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Placing a covering on the scale tray when weighing an infant helps to ensure that conductive heat loss from the infant is minimal. Newborns and infants are especially vulnerable to temperature changes, and maintaining their body temperature is crucial for their well-being. By placing a covering, such as a soft cloth or blanket, on the scale tray, the nurse creates a barrier between the infant's skin and the cold surface of the scale. This reduces the risk of heat loss from direct contact with the scale, helping to keep the baby comfortable and preventing any potential adverse effects from exposure to low temperatures during the weighing process.
Choice B reason:
Choice B, compensating for the negative weight balance to ensure the correct weight, is not the primary reason for using a covering on the scale tray. The negative weight balance, if any, would be minimal and not significant enough to affect the accuracy of the infant's weight measurement. The main concern when using a scale for weighing infants is to ensure their comfort and safety during the process.
Choice C reason:
Choice C, avoiding causing multiple startle (Moro) reflexes when weighing, is not the main reason for using a covering on the scale tray. The Moro reflex is a normal startle response in infants and is not typically affected by whether or not a covering is placed on the scale tray.
The nurse can support the infant appropriately during weighing to minimize any startle reflexes, regardless of whether a covering is used.
Choice D reason:
Choice D, avoiding contaminating the nurse's hands with blood or other body substances, is not directly related to using a covering on the scale tray. The primary purpose of using a covering is to minimize heat loss, as explained in Choice A. However, it is standard practice for healthcare professionals to wear gloves when handling blood or body substances to prevent any potential transmission of infections, ensuring both the nurse's and the infant's safety.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is: d. Persistent fetal bradycardia below 100 bpm.
Choice A: Maternal pulse rate of 100 bpm
A maternal pulse rate of 100 beats per minute (bpm) is slightly elevated but not uncommon during labor due to the physical exertion and stress involved. The normal range for an adult’s resting heart rate is typically between 60 and 100 bpm. While it is important to monitor the maternal pulse, it is not an immediate cause for concern unless accompanied by other symptoms such as hypotension, chest pain, or signs of distress.
Choice B: Maternal blood pressure of 120/70 mm Hg
A maternal blood pressure of 120/70 mm Hg is within the normal range. Normal blood pressure for adults is generally considered to be around 120/80 mm Hg. This reading indicates that the mother is maintaining stable blood pressure during labor, which is a positive sign. Therefore, this does not require immediate reporting to the physician.
Choice C: Decrease in intensity of uterine contractions
A decrease in the intensity of uterine contractions can be concerning as it may indicate ineffective labor, which could prolong the delivery process. However, this is typically managed by adjusting oxytocin levels or other interventions and does not require immediate reporting unless it leads to other complications such as fetal distress.
Choice D: Persistent fetal bradycardia below 100 bpm
Persistent fetal bradycardia below 100 bpm is a significant concern and should be immediately reported to the physician. Normal fetal heart rate ranges from 110 to 160 bpm. Bradycardia, defined as a heart rate below 110 bpm, can indicate fetal distress, hypoxia, or other complications that may require urgent intervention to ensure the safety of the fetus. Persistent bradycardia, especially below 100 bpm, necessitates immediate medical attention to assess and address the underlying cause.
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