A nurse is assisting in the care of a newborn following birth. At 1 min after birth, the nurse notes the following: heart rate 110/min; slow, weak cord flexion of extremities; grimace in response to suctioning of the nares; body pink in color with blue extremities.

What should the nurse document as the newborn's 1-min Apgar score?

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Jaundice in an infant who is 4-hr old. This is because jaundice is a yellow discoloration of the skin and eyes caused by high levels of bilirubin in the blood. Jaundice usually appears between the second and fourth day after birth and lasts for one to two weeks. Jaundice that appears within the first 24 hours of life is considered early-onset jaundice and may indicate a serious problem, such as an infection, a blood type mismatch, or a liver disorder. The nurse should notify the charge nurse of this finding and request a blood test to check the bilirubin level.

Choice A is wrong because a hematocrit of 60% in an infant who is 8-hr old is not abnormal. Hematocrit is the percentage of red blood cells in the blood. Newborns normally have higher hematocrit levels than older children and adults because they have more red blood cells at birth.

Choice C is wrong because a blood glucose fingerstick of 40 mg/dL for an infant who is 1-hr old is not abnormal.

Blood glucose is the amount of sugar in the blood. Newborns normally have lower blood glucose levels than older children and adults because they have less glycogen (stored sugar) at birth.

Choice D is wrong because acrocyanosis in an infant who is 2-hr old is not abnormal. Acrocyanosis is a bluish discoloration of the hands and feet caused by poor circulation. Newborns normally have acrocyanosis for the first few days of life because they are adjusting to the temperature outside the womb.

Tachycardia. Tachycardia is a sign of hypovolemic shock from postpartum hemorrhage, which occurs when the blood volume is reduced and the heart rate increases to compensate for the low cardiac output and tissue perfusion. Tachycardia is usually the first sign of hypovolemic shock, as it can occur even before a significant drop in blood pressure or other symptoms.

Choice A. Hypotension is incorrect because it is a late sign of hypovolemic shock, which occurs when the compensatory mechanisms fail to maintain adequate blood pressure and organ perfusion.

Choice B. Cold, clammy skin is incorrect because it is a sign of peripheral vasoconstriction, which occurs as a compensatory mechanism to divert blood flow to the vital organs. However, it is not specific to hypovolemic shock and can occur in other types of shock as well.

Choice D. Decreased urinary output is incorrect because it is a sign of renal impairment, which occurs as a result of reduced blood flow to the kidneys. However, it is not specific to hypovolemic shock and can occur in other types of shock or renal disorders as well.