Final answer:
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is not started based solely on a heart rate of 100 or greater. CPAP use in premature infants is typically indicated for respiratory support in cases of respiratory distress syndrome and is decided on the infant's breathing ability and oxygenation levels, even though heart rate is one factor in the Apgar score assessment.
Step-by-step explanation:
It is false that you can start Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) in a premature infant solely based on a heart rate of 100 or greater. While heart rate is a crucial criterion in the Apgar score, which assesses the overall health of a newborn, including premature infants, CPAP therapy is considered for respiratory distress and not dictated by heart rate alone. The Apgar score evaluates five criteria post-delivery: heart rate, respiration, muscle tone, reflex response, and color, each scoring up to 2 points, for a total of 10. Scores of 8 or higher are generally normal, but a score below 7 at 5 minutes may suggest that medical intervention is needed.
For premature infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), where they're unable to breathe effectively on their own, interventions such as CPAP, mechanical ventilation, administration of pulmonary surfactant, and other supportive therapies might be necessary. Heart rate is monitored, but decisions on respiratory support, like CPAP, are based on the infant’s breathing ability and oxygenation, not just heart rate. CPAP helps keep the baby's airways open and supports spontaneous breathing but is typically used in cases where the infant has adequate respiration effort but needs support to maintain effective gas exchange.