Question

Which of the following full-term babies requires immediate intervention?

1. Baby with seesaw breathing.
2. Baby with irregular breathing with 10-second apnea spells.
3. Baby with coordinated thoracic and abdominal breathing.
4. Baby with respiratory rate of

Answer 1

A baby with seesaw breathing and a baby with irregular breathing with 10-second apnea spells require immediate intervention as they may indicate respiratory distress.

Step-by-step explanation:

Of the five Apgar criteria, heart rate and respiration are the most critical. A baby with seesaw breathing (option 1) and a baby with irregular breathing with 10-second apnea spells (option 2) may indicate respiratory distress and require immediate intervention. Seesaw breathing is an abnormal pattern of breathing characterized by the chest sinking in as the abdomen protrudes during inspiration, and vice versa during expiration. Irregular breathing with apnea spells lasting more than 20 seconds can be very dangerous.

On the other hand, a baby with coordinated thoracic and abdominal breathing (option 3) and a baby with a normal respiratory rate (option 4) are displaying normal respiratory patterns. Coordinated thoracic and abdominal breathing is a normal breathing pattern in full-term babies, where the chest and abdomen rise and fall together during inspiration and expiration. A normal respiratory rate for full-term babies is around 30-60 breaths per minute.