Question

The nurse observes the interactions of mother and infant born three hours ago. The mother had gestational diabetes and delivered by cesarean section at 37 weeks gestation. The infant's Apgar scores were 6 and 8, birth weight 10lbs, heart rate 122 bpm, and respirations 35/min. The mother tells the nurse, ""I don't know why my physician was worried about my baby. She looks so big and healthy!"". Which response by the nurse is BEST?

- You need to ask your mother if you were also a large baby
- They baby's large size is due to the amount of sugar the she received in utero
- It is great that you are starting to rely on your maternal instinct already!
- You must be relieved that the baby looks so healthly

Answer 1

The Apgar score is a method used to assess the general well-being of a newborn. The infant in question had an Apgar score of 6 and 8, indicating some initial difficulties but overall improvement. The score does not directly indicate the baby's size or health, but rather their adaptation to life outside the womb.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Apgar score is a method used to assess the general well-being of a newborn shortly after birth. It measures five criteria: skin color, heart rate, reflex, muscle tone, and respiration. Each criterion is assigned a score of 0, 1, or 2, and the scores are added together. A score of 8 or above is considered normal.

In the case of the infant born three hours ago, the Apgar score was 6 and 8, which indicates that the baby had some difficulties transitioning initially, but improved later. The Apgar score does not directly indicate the size or health of the baby, but rather assesses how well the baby adapted to life outside the womb. It's important to note that the nurse should provide reassurance to the mother and address any concerns she may have.