A nurse is preparing to administer erythromycin ointment to a newborn’s eyes as prophylaxis for gonorrhea and chlamydia infections.

Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Based on the Apgar score components provided, the newborn would likely receive the following scores:

• Appearance (color):Pink all over -2 points
• Pulse (heart rate):120 bpm -2 points
• Grimace (reflex irritability):Makes a strong cry -2 points
• Activity (muscle tone):Active movement -2 points
• Respiration:Deep, regular breaths -2 points

Adding these together, the newborn’s Apgar score would be10, which indicates the baby is in excellent condition following delivery.

The Apgar score is a quick assessment method used to evaluate a newborn baby’s health immediately after birth and again 5 minutes later. It was created by Dr. Virginia Apgar in 1952 and is an important tool for healthcare professionals to determine the immediate physical condition of a newborn and the need for any urgent medical care.

Here’s what the Apgar score measures, with each category receiving a score from 0 to 2:

• Appearance (color):Checks the baby’s skin tone
• Pulse (heart rate):Measures the heart rate
• Grimace (reflex irritability):Assesses the reflex response
• Activity (muscle tone):Evaluates muscle tone and movement
• Respiration:Observes the breathing effort and regularity

The significance of the Apgar score lies in its ability to provide a standardized and rapid assessment of a newborn’s vital signs and immediate health. It helps to quickly identify babies who are struggling and may need additional medical attention.However, it’s important to note that the Apgar score is not designed to predict long-term health outcomes or neurological development.It’s one of many assessments used to understand a baby’s condition at birth.

Here’s a table that outlines the Apgar score criteria and the points assigned for each:

Table

The Apgar score is calculated at 1 minute and 5 minutes after birth. Each of the five criteria is scored between 0 and 2, with a maximum total score of 10. This scoring system helps medical professionals quickly assess the newborn’s general condition and determine if any immediate medical intervention is needed. A score of 7 to 10 is considered normal, 4 to 6 fairly low, and 3 and below critically low.

Place the newborn on the mother’s chest after delivery.This is because skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby promotes bonding and attachment, which are essential for the baby’s emotional and psychological development.Skin-to-skin contact also helps regulate the baby’s body temperature, heart rate, breathing and blood sugar levels.

Choice B is wrong because wrapping the newborn in a blanket reduces the skin-to-skin contact and may interfere with the bonding process.The father can also bond with the baby by holding him or her against his own skin.

Choice C is wrong because placing the newborn in an isolette separates the baby from the mother and prevents close interaction and communication.The baby may feel insecure and isolated in an isolette.

Choice D is wrong because dressing the newborn in a gown and hat also reduces the skin-to-skin contact and may delay the initiation of breastfeeding.The baby may also lose more heat through clothing than through direct contact with the mother’s body.