What is an important nursing responsibility when dealing with a family experiencing the loss of an infant from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)?

An Apgar score of 10 at 1 minute after birth indicates that the infant is having no difficulty adjusting to extrauterine life but who should be assessed again at 5 minutes after birth. The Apgar score is a scoring system that evaluates the health of newborns at 1 and 5 minutes after birth based on five criteria: appearance, pulse, grimace, activity, and respiration. Each criterion is scored from 0 to 2, and the total score ranges from 0 to 10. A score of 7 to 10 is considered reassuring, a score of 4 to 6 is moderately abnormal, and a score of 0 to 3 is concerning.

Choice A is wrong because an Apgar score of 10 at 1 minute does not mean that the infant needs no further testing. The infant should still be assessed again at 5 minutes and monitored for any signs of distress or complications.

Choice B is wrong because an Apgar score of 10 at 1 minute does not indicate an infant in severe distress who needs resuscitation. An Apgar score of 0 to 3 would indicate a concerning condition that may require immediate intervention.

Choice C is wrong because an Apgar score of 10 at 1 minute does not predict a future free of neurologic problems. The Apgar score alone cannot be considered as evidence of, or a consequence of, asphyxia or brain injury; it does not predict individual neonatal mortality or neurologic outcome; and it should not be used for that purpose.

Normal ranges for each criterion are as follows:

• Appearance (color): pink all over (2 points), body pink but extremities blue (1 point), blue, bluish-gray, or pale all over (0 points)
• Pulse (heart rate): greater than 100 beats per minute (2 points), less than 100 beats per minute (1 point), absent (0 points)
• Grimace (response to stimulation): cough or sneeze, cry and withdrawal of foot with stimulation (2 points), facial movement/grimace with stimulation (1 point), absent (0 points)
• Activity (muscle tone): active movement (2 points), limbs flexed (1 point), limp or floppy (0 points)
• Respiration (breathing): good, strong cry (2 points), irregular, weak crying (1 point), absent (0 points)

Give small amounts of favorite fluids frequently to prevent dehydration.

Dehydration is a common complication of upper respiratory tract infections in infants, especially if they have a fever. Giving small amounts of fluids frequently can help maintain hydration and electrolyte balance.

Some additional information about the other choices are:

Choice A is wrong because tepid water baths are not recommended for fever reduction. They can cause shivering, which increases heat production and can raise the

temperature further. Instead, antipyretics such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be given as prescribed.

Choice B is wrong because food intake may be decreased due to poor appetite, difficulty breathing, or sore throat. Forcing food intake can cause vomiting or aspiration. Fluid intake is more important than caloric intake during an acute infection.

Choice C is wrong because heavy clothing can increase heat retention and discomfort. The infant should be dressed in light clothing and the room temperature should be comfortable.