A nurse is caring for a newborn and calculating the Apgar score. At 1 minute after delivery, the following findings are noted: Heart rate of 120/min Slow and weak cry Some flexion of extremities Grimace in response to suctioning of the nares Body pink in color with blue extremities. Calculate the newborn's Apgar score.

The correct answer is Apgar score of 6. Step 1 is to evaluate each of the five components of the Apgar score at 1 minute: Heart rate: 120/min scores 2 points (normal heart rate is ≥100 beats per minute). Respiratory effort: Slow and weak cry scores 1 point (normal is a strong cry, scoring 2 points). Muscle tone: Some flexion of extremities scores 1 point (normal is active motion, scoring 2 points). Reflex irritability: Grimace in response to suctioning scores 1 point (normal is crying or withdrawal, scoring 2 points). Color: Body pink with blue extremities scores 1 point (normal is completely pink, scoring 2 points). Step 2 is to sum up the points. (2 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1) = Apgar score of 6. .