Determine the Apgar score for a baby which is limp, completely cyanotic, has a pulse of 70 beats/min, and slow respirations.

Study for the West Coast EMT Test. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question is accompanied by hints and explanations. Be prepared and confident for your exam!

To determine the Apgar score, each of the five criteria—Appearance, Pulse, Grimace response, Activity, and Respiration—is assessed on a scale from 0 to 2. The maximum possible score is 10.

In this case, the baby is limp, which indicates a score of 0 for Activity, as normal tone is needed for a score of 2. The baby is completely cyanotic, resulting in a score of 0 for Appearance, since a score of 1 would only be given for peripheral cyanosis (blue extremities only). The heart rate is 70 beats per minute, which scores 1 point, as a normal pulse is above 100 beats per minute. The respirations are slow and ineffective, so this would also score 0, as adequate effort is necessary for a score of 2. If the baby cries or has some response, it could score 1 in Grimace response, but it’s mentioned that the baby is limp, which generally doesn't suggest any reflexes.

Adding these scores together:

  • Appearance: 0

  • Pulse: 1

  • Grimace response: 0

  • Activity: 0

  • Respiration: 0

This totals up to

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