Question

While assessing the newborn, the nurse should be aware that the average expected apical pulse range of a full-term, quiet, alert newborn is:

a. 80 to 100 beats/min.
b. 100 to 120 beats/min.
c. 120 to 160 beats/min.
d. 150 to 180 beats/min.

Answer 1

The average expected apical pulse range for a full-term, quiet, alert newborn is 120 to 160 beats/min, which is crucial for assessing a newborn's condition as part of the Apgar score.

Step-by-step explanation:

The expected apical pulse range for a full-term, quiet, alert newborn should be assessed as part of the Apgar score, which evaluates a newborn's transition from the womb by assessing five criteria including heart rate and respiration. The correct average expected apical pulse range for a newborn is 120 to 160 beats/min, in accordance with the general understanding that normal heart rates for newborns may start around 120 bpm and change with age.

The Apgar score is taken at 1 minute and 5 minutes after birth, assigning scores of 0, 1, or 2 for each criterion of skin color, heart rate, reflex, muscle tone, and respiration. A higher total score out of 10 is favorable, whereas lower scores may indicate that the newborn is in distress and possibly in need of medical assistance.