Question

With regard to the newborn's developing cardiovascular system, nurses should be aware that:

a. The heart rate of a crying infant may rise to 120 beats/min.
b. Heart murmurs heard after the first few hours are cause for concern.
c. The point of maximal impulse (PMI) often is visible on the chest wall.
d. Persistent bradycardia may indicate respiratory distress syndrome (RDS).

Answer 1

In the context of a newborn's cardiovascular system, it's important to monitor for persistent bradycardia as it may indicate respiratory distress syndrome (d). The Apgar score is critical for assessing a newborn's health post-birth, with heart rate and respiration being the most critical indicators.

Step-by-step explanation:

With regard to the newborn's developing cardiovascular system, nurses should be aware that persistent bradycardia may indicate respiratory distress syndrome (RDS).

The Apgar score assesses a newborn's heart rate, respiration, skin color, reflex, and muscle tone. Heart rate and respiration are the most critical in this assessment. A heart rate that is persistently below the normal range (under 100 beats per minute) may be a sign of RDS, a condition that requires medical intervention.

Through the Apgar scoring system, a newborn's transition from the womb is evaluated at 1 minute and again at 5 minutes after birth. Scores less than 7 at 5 minutes suggest the need for possible medical assistance, and a score below 5 is an emergency situation. It is important to note that a newborn's heart rate can rapidly increase to above 120 beats/min when crying, which is a normal response. Additionally, visible point of maximal impulse (PMI) on the chest wall and heart murmurs heard after the first few hours may not necessarily be cause for alarm, as they can be transient phenomena in a healthy newborn.