A nurse is assessing a newborn 2 hr following birth. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Heart rate 190/min: A normal newborn heart rate ranges from 120 to 160 beats per minute. A heart rate of 190/min is tachycardic and is above the expected range for a healthy newborn. B. Irregular respirations: Newborns often exhibit irregular respirations with periods of rapid breathing followed by pauses. This pattern is expected in the first few hours after birth and usually does not indicate distress if oxygen saturation is normal. C. Central cyanosis: Central cyanosis, including blue lips or tongue, is abnormal and may indicate hypoxemia or congenital heart or respiratory issues. Normal newborns may show brief acrocyanosis of hands and feet but not central cyanosis. D. Temperature of 38.2° C (100.8° F): A normal newborn temperature ranges from 36.5° C to 37.5° C (97.7° F to 99.5° F). A temperature of 38.2° C is elevated and may indicate infection or overheating.