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Difficulty: MediumAnte/Intra/Postpartum and Newborn Care

At exactly 5 minutes of life, a newborn is assessed by the delivery room team. The documented findings include: an apical pulse of 94 beats per minute, weak and irregular respirations, slight flexion of the arms and legs, a strong sneeze in response to bulb suctioning of the nares, and completely pink skin over the entire body.

Based on these findings, what is the infant's total Apgar score?

Answer: 7 points

Answer

The infant's total Apgar score is 7.
The Apgar scoring system evaluates five parameters on a scale of 0 to 2. A heart rate under 100 bpm (1 point), weak respirations (1 point), and slight extremity flexion (1 point) indicate some transitional difficulty. However, a vigorous sneeze (2 points) and completely pink skin (2 points) reflect excellent reflex irritability and oxygenation. The sum of these parameters is exactly 7.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Evaluate Heart Rate
1 point
An apical pulse of 94 is less than 100 beats per minute.
2
Evaluate Respiratory Effort
1 point
Respirations are weak and irregular, rather than a robust cry.
3
Evaluate Muscle Tone
1 point
There is only slight flexion of the arms and legs, without active motion.
4
Evaluate Reflex Irritability
2 points
A strong sneeze in response to suctioning demonstrates a vigorous reflex response.
5
Evaluate Skin Color
2 points
The skin is completely pink over the entire body, with no cyanosis present.
6
Calculate total score
7 points
Summing all assigned points (1 + 1 + 1 + 2 + 2) provides the final Apgar score.

Key Concept

Apgar Score Calculation and Interpretation
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Topics

Ante/Intra/Postpartum and Newborn Care

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