Question

A nurse is caring for a newborn following a spontaneous vaginal delivery. Five minutes after birth, the newborn's heart rate is 90/min. Which of the following Apgar heart rate scores should the newborn receive?

A. limit the amount of time the infant nurses on each breast
B. nurse the infant only on the in affected breast until resolved
C. completely empty each breast at each feeding or use a pump
D. wear a tight fitting bra until lactation has ceased

Answer 1

The Apgar score assesses the general well-being of a newborn. The heart rate criterion is an important component of the score. In this case, the newborn would receive an Apgar heart rate score of 2, which is normal.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Apgar score is a method used to assess the general well-being of a newborn immediately after birth. It evaluates five criteria: appearance (skin color), pulse (heart rate), grimace (reflex), activity (muscle tone), and respiration. Each criterion is assigned a score of 0, 1, or 2. The scores are added together to determine the overall Apgar score. In this case, since the newborn's heart rate is 90/min at the 5-minute mark, the baby's Apgar heart rate score would be 2, which is considered normal.