For a newborn with a heart rate of 110 bpm, rapid respirations, and weak cry, which Apgar score is most likely?

To determine the Apgar score for the newborn exhibiting a heart rate of 110 bpm, rapid respirations, and a weak cry, we assess each of the five criteria on which the Apgar score is based: Appearance (skin color), Pulse (heart rate), Grimace response (reflexes), Activity (muscle tone), and Respiration.

In this scenario, the heart rate of 110 bpm falls into the range that provides a score of 2 for the Pulse section, as a normal heart rate for a newborn is considered to be above 100 bpm. The rapid respirations suggest that the newborn is in mild respiratory distress, possibly earning a score of 1 on the Respiration category, which measures effort and respiration quality.

The weak cry indicates poor respiratory effort, leading to a lower score for the Grimace response (reflexes), which likely receives a score of 1, reflecting decreased responsiveness. If we assume the newborn has good appearance, possibly with a pink body but blue extremities, this might provide a score of 1 for Appearance.

Adding these scores together:

• Pulse: 2

• Respiratory effort: 1

• Grimace response: 1

• Appearance: 1