Nokea
An infant was born 1 minute ago and the Apgar score is being assigned. The infant has blue extremities, minimal flexion, a weak cry, a heart rate of 110 beats per minute, and coughs and pulls away when suctioned. How many points should be assigned? Record your answer using a whole number:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: 3 points. Apgar scoring assesses the newborn's overall condition at 1 and 5 minutes after birth. In this case, the infant's Apgar score should be 3 because the baby displays signs of mild distress with blue extremities, weak cry, and minimal flexion. The heart rate of 110 BPM and response to suctioning indicate some normal function. Each category (color, heart rate, reflex irritability, muscle tone, and respiratory effort) can score up to 2 points, totaling 10 points. Blue extremities and weak cry correspond to 1 point each, while minimal flexion corresponds to 0 points. The heart rate (110 BPM) and response to suctioning indicate 2 points each, totaling 3 points. Therefore, the correct score is 3 points. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not accurately reflect the severity of the infant's condition based on the Apgar