Certificate In Psychology (CPSY) Practice Exam

Which baby would receive the highest Apgar score at birth?

1. Heart rate below 100, good crying, extremities pink

2. Heart rate above 100, good crying, body pink and extremities pink

3. Heart rate below 100, irregular breathing, body pink

4. Heart rate above 100, good crying, body pink with blue extremities

The correct answer is: Heart rate above 100, good crying, body pink and extremities pink

The highest Apgar score is awarded to a newborn who demonstrates optimal health indicators immediately after birth. The Apgar scoring system evaluates five criteria: heart rate, respiratory effort, muscle tone, reflex response, and skin coloration, each contributing to the total score ranging from 0 to 10. In this case, the baby that receives the highest Apgar score demonstrates a heart rate above 100, which indicates a strong and healthy cardiovascular response. Good crying signifies effective respiratory effort and that the baby is breathing adequately. Additionally, having both body and extremities pink reflects good peripheral circulation and oxygenation, which are crucial for a newborn's well-being. The other scenarios present varying levels of health indicators. A heart rate below 100 or irregular breathing indicates potential distress. Extremities that are not fully pink can suggest inadequate oxygenation or circulation, which would lower the overall score. Therefore, option B encompasses all the desired health markers for a newborn, leading to the highest Apgar score.