A nurse observes that a newborn has a pink trunk and head, bluish hands and feet, and flexed extremities 5 min after delivery. He has a weak and
slow cry, a heart rate of 130/min, and cries in response to suctioning. The nurse should document what Apgar score for this infant?
The Correct Answer is ["8"]
In the scenario provided, the Apgar score is calculated as follows:
- Appearance (skin color): The newborn has a pink trunk and head with bluish hands and feet, which scores 1 point.
- Pulse (heart rate): The heart rate is 130/min, which is above 100/min, so this scores 2 points.
- Grimace response (reflex irritability): The newborn cries in response to suctioning, which scores 2 points.
- Activity (muscle tone): The newborn has flexed extremities, which scores 2 points.
- Respiration (breathing effort): The cry is weak and slow, which scores 1 point.
Adding these up gives us a total Apgar score of 8 out of a possible 10 points.
Appearance (skin color): Normally, a score of 2 is given if the entire body is pink, 1 for pink body but blue extremities, and 0 if the whole body is pale or blue. The newborn's pink trunk and head with bluish hands and feet warrant a score of 1.
Pulse (heart rate): A score of 2 is given for a heart rate above 100/min, 1 for below 100/min, and 0 if there is no heartbeat. The newborn's heart rate of 130/min earns a score of 2.
Grimace response (reflex irritability): A score of 2 is given for a sneeze, cough, or vigorous cry, 1 for a grimace or feeble cry upon stimulation, and 0 for no response. The newborn's crying in response to suctioning gets a score of 2.
Activity (muscle tone): A score of 2 is given for active motion, 1 for some muscle tone and flexion of extremities, and 0 for limpness. The newborn's flexed extremities give a score of 2.
Respiration (breathing effort): A score of 2 is given for a good, strong cry, 1 for slow or irregular breathing, and 0 for no breathing. The newborn's weak and slow cry results in a score of 1.
The Apgar score helps the healthcare team decide if the newborn needs immediate medical care. A score of 7-10 is generally normal, 4-6 fairly low, and 3 and below critically low. An Apgar score of 8 indicates that the newborn is in good health but may need some medical attention, likely due to the weak and slow cry.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Checking basal body temperature 1 hour following intercourse is not recommended as a method to determine ovulation. Intercourse and physical activity can increase body temperature, which may lead to inaccurate readings. Basal body temperature should be measured after a period of rest, not after physical activity.
Choice B reason:
The basal body temperature method involves measuring the body's at-rest temperature to identify slight changes that occur around the time of ovulation. It is most accurate when taken every morning before getting out of bed, after at least 3 hours of uninterrupted sleep, and before any physical activity, including eating or drinking. A slight increase in basal body temperature typically occurs after ovulation and remains elevated until the next menstrual period. This method requires consistency and precise timing to be effective.
Choice C reason:
Measuring basal body temperature before going to bed every night is not an effective way to track ovulation. The body's temperature fluctuates throughout the day due to various factors, including activity levels, meals, and external temperatures. Therefore, nighttime measurements would not provide the consistent, resting temperature needed to accurately detect ovulation.
Choice D reason:
While it is true that ovulation typically occurs around the middle of the menstrual cycle, which for many women is between days 13 to 17, limiting temperature checks to these days only may miss the initial rise in temperature that indicates ovulation. Ovulation can vary from cycle to cycle, and it is important to measure basal body temperature daily to detect the pattern over time.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
The deltoid muscle, while commonly used for IM injections in older children and adults, is not the preferred site for newborns due to their underdeveloped muscle mass in this area. Administering an injection in the deltoid could increase the risk of injury to the surrounding nerves and tissues in newborns.
Choice B reason:
The vastus lateralis muscle is the recommended site for IM injections in newborns. It is the preferred location because it is the largest muscle in the thigh and has sufficient mass to absorb the medication effectively. This muscle is located on the anterolateral aspect of the thigh and is considered the safest site with the least risk of damaging blood vessels, nerves, or bone.
Choice C reason:
The dorsogluteal muscle, located in the buttocks, was once a common site for IM injections. However, it is no longer recommended due to the high risk of injury to the sciatic nerve and significant blood vessels in the area. Additionally, the fat content in the buttocks can affect the absorption of the medication.
Choice D reason:
The ventrogluteal muscle, also located in the hip area, is another site for IM injections but is more suitable for older children and adults. For newborns, the vastus lateralis remains the preferred site due to easier access and less risk of complications.
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