The nurse is performing an Apgar score on a newborn at 5 minutes after birth. The infant has a heart rate of 100, pink body and blue hands, active motion, and a strong lust cry and respirations. What is the Apgar score that should be assigned to this infant?
7
8
5
9
The Correct Answer is D
A. A score of 7 would be given if the infant’s heart rate was 100, but with less than optimal responses for color, muscle tone, and respiratory effort. However, this baby demonstrates strong responses in all categories.
B. A score of 8 would indicate that the baby has no signs of cyanosis and perfect responses in all categories, but since the infant has blue hands, it scores slightly lower (1 point less for color).
C. A score of 5 would indicate more significant distress, with poor color, respiratory effort, and muscle tone. This infant is showing good signs of adaptation.
D. The Apgar score is calculated based on five criteria: heart rate, respiratory effort, muscle tone, reflex irritability, and color. The infant in the scenario has:Heart rate of 100 (score 2)Pink body and blue hands (score 1 for color—because the baby is not fully pink, indicating some cyanosis in the extremities)Active motion (score 2 for muscle tone)Strong lusty cry (score 2 for reflex irritability/responsiveness to stimuli)
Good respirations (score 2)Adding these scores (2 + 1 + 2 + 2 + 2), the total is 9.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Deficient fluid volume is not the priority concern at this time. While newborns are at risk for dehydration, there are no indications in the assessment (such as dry mucous membranes or poor feeding) that would suggest deficient fluid volume as the immediate priority.
B. Risk for infection is a concern for all newborns, especially in the first hours of life. However, the information provided does not suggest signs of infection such as fever, lethargy, or abnormal skin color.
C. Impaired parenting may be a concern later on if the parents show difficulty bonding or caring for the infant. However, this is not the immediate priority based on the infant's current assessment.
D. Hypothermia is the priority. The infant’s axillary temperature of 95.8° F (35.4° C) is below the normal range for a newborn, which is typically between 97.7° F (36.5° C) and 99.5° F (37.5° C). Hypothermia in newborns can lead to complications such as respiratory distress, metabolic instability, and increased risk for infection. Immediate interventions, such as warming the infant and ensuring a warm environment, are necessary to prevent further complications.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Nonshivering thermogenesis is the primary method of heat production in newborns. Unlike adults, newborns do not generate heat through shivering. Instead, they rely on the metabolism of brown adipose tissue (brown fat) to produce heat. This process is triggered by exposure to cold and helps maintain body temperature.
B. Cold stress is a condition, not a heat production mechanism. It occurs when the newborn is exposed to cold temperatures, leading to increased oxygen and energy demands as the body attempts to produce heat — which can be dangerous.
C. Convection is a method of heat loss, not production. It occurs when heat is lost from the body surface to cooler surrounding air (e.g., drafts in the room).
D. Bilirubin conjugation is related to the liver's processing of bilirubin and has nothing to do with thermoregulation.
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.
