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). The Apgar score assesses newborns' overall health shortly after birth. Each category (appearance, pulse, grimace, activity, and respiration) is scored from 0 to 2. In this case, the infant exhibits central cyanosis (blue extremities), weak muscle tone (minimal flexion), a weak cry, a heart rate of 110 bpm (slightly below normal), and responsive to suctioning (coughs, pulls away) indicating some respiratory effort. Therefore, the infant would receive 1 point for appearance (cyanosis), 1 point for pulse (110 bpm), 1 point for grimace (weak cry), totaling 3 points. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not accurately reflect the infant's condition and Apgar scoring criteria.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Initiate external fetal monitoring. The nurse should initiate external fetal monitoring to assess the fetus's heart rate and uterine contractions, given the patient's history of placenta previa and vaginal bleeding. This helps to monitor the well-being of the fetus and detect any signs of distress. Performing a vaginal examination (Choice A) may aggravate the placenta previa and increase the risk of bleeding. Artificial rupture of membranes (Choice B) is contraindicated in cases of placenta previa due to the risk of increased bleeding. Encouraging ambulation (Choice D) is not advisable in this situation as it may also worsen bleeding.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Face presentation. In this presentation, the mentum (chin) of the baby is the presenting part. This is a relatively rare presentation where the baby's head is extended, resulting in the face being the first part to be delivered. In a face presentation, the baby's head is hyperextended rather than flexed as in a vertex presentation. B: Breech presentation is when the baby's buttocks or feet are the presenting part. C: Vertex presentation is when the baby's head is the presenting part with the occiput leading the way. D: Shoulder presentation is when the baby's shoulder is the presenting part, which is a potentially dangerous situation requiring immediate medical intervention.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Cervical dilation is occurring. This is a definitive sign of true labor as it indicates that the cervix is opening up in preparation for childbirth. Contractions alone may not always indicate true labor, especially if they are irregular. Pain decreasing when walking (choice A) is not a definitive sign of true labor. The fetal membranes rupturing (choice C) is a sign of labor but not definitive on its own. The fetal head at –1 station (choice D) can indicate descent but is not as definitive as cervical dilation.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. A doula provides nonpharmacological pain relief during labor by offering emotional support, comfort measures, breathing techniques, and massage. This helps the mother cope with labor pain naturally. Choices A and C involve medical interventions that are typically performed by healthcare providers. Choice B is the role of a healthcare professional trained in assessing fetal well-being.