A nurse is performing Apgar scoring for a newborn infant immediately after birth.
The nurse notes that the heart rate is greater than 100 beats/min, the respiratory effort is good, muscle tone is active, the newborn infant sneezes when suctioned by the bulb syringe, and the skin color is pink.
On the basis of these findings, the nurse would document which of the following Apgar scores?
- A- 3
- B- 5
- C- 7
- D- 10
The nurse would document an Apgar score of C. 7 based on the provided information.
Here's why:
- Heart rate > 100 beats/min: This earns 2 points.
- Good respiratory effort: This earns 2 points.
- Active muscle tone: This earns 2 points.
- Sneezing reflex: This earns 1 point for reflex irritability.
- Pink skin color: This earns 2 points.
Adding up the points for each of these categories, we get a total of 9 points (2 + 2 + 2 + 1 + 2). Therefore, the most appropriate Apgar score to document would be 7.
Details:
Here's a breakdown of the full Apgar scoring system:
- 0-3 points: Indicates severe infant depression
- 4-6 points: Indicates moderate infant depression
- 7-9 points: Indicates a vigorous newborn
- 10 points: This score is very rare and not always achievable due to the physiological adaptations required for transitioning from the womb to the outside world.
It's important to note that the Apgar score is just one indicator of a newborn's health and should be interpreted in conjunction with other assessments and examinations.
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