Question

The nurse should obtain the vital signs of an infant in what order?

1) measure temp, count the pulse, count respirations
2) count the pulse, count respirations, measure temp
3) count respirations, count the pulse, measure temp
4) measure temp, count respirations, count the pulse

Answer 1

A nurse should measure the vital signs of an infant in the order of counting respirations, then pulse, and finally temperature to avoid inaccurate measurements caused by distress from temperature taking. The Apgar score assesses the newborn's wellbeing by evaluating appearance, pulse, grimace, activity, and respiration.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct order in which a nurse should obtain the vital signs of an infant is to first count respirations, then the pulse, and finally measure the temperature. This sequence is preferred because checking the temperature could cause a baby to cry, affecting the heart rate and respiration measurements if done after taking the temperature. The Apgar score is a quick way to assess the general wellbeing of a newborn, measuring five criteria: skin color (appearance), heart rate (pulse), reflex (grimace), muscle tone (activity), and respiration. Heart rate and respiration are the most critical factors in the Apgar score, and any score lower than 7 after 5 minutes indicates the baby may need medical assistance. It's also important to note that vital signs include body temperature, heart rate, breathing rate, and blood pressure, all of which can indicate the presence of disease if abnormal.