Question

"The nurse should plan to first assess the newborn's _______C.) Respiratory rate

Followed by the newborn's _________C.) Heart rate"
a) Temperature
b) Weight
c) Respiratory rate
d) Blood pressure

Answer 1

The Apgar score is a quick test to assess the wellbeing of a newborn, with respiration and heart rate being the most critical criteria to check immediately after birth. Lower scores may indicate the need for medical attention, with the test being conducted at 1 minute and 5 minutes after birth.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the immediate assessment of a newborn's health, the Apgar score is utilized. The test involves five criteria: skin color, heart rate, reflex, muscle tone, and respiration. Among these, the first things that a nurse should assess are the newborn's respiratory rate followed by the newborn's heart rate.

The Apgar score is vital for determining the newborn's well-being and potential need for medical assistance. These two criteria are considered the most critical in the neonate's adaptation to life outside the womb, and poor scores can indicate a need for immediate intervention.

Typically, the Apgar scores are taken at 1 minute and again at 5 minutes after birth. A score below 7 at the 5-minute point could indicate that the newborn may require medical attention, and any score below 5 is considered an emergency situation.

The test is quick, easy, painless, and only requires a stethoscope, making it a practical method for assessing a newborn's initial status.