Florida State Paramedic Practice Exam

What is the normal range for respiratory effort in a healthy newborn as per the APGAR criteria?

1. No effort

2. Slow and irregular

3. Good, crying

4. Very rapid

The correct answer is: Good, crying

The APGAR scoring system provides a quick assessment of a newborn's immediate condition after birth, evaluating five criteria: Appearance, Pulse, Grimace response, Activity, and Respiratory effort. A healthy newborn's respiratory effort is characterized by strong, effective breathing, which is often accompanied by vigorous crying. This indicates that the newborn is receiving adequate oxygen and is transitioning well to life outside the womb. Crying is a sign of normal respiratory effort, as it demonstrates that the infant's airways are clear and that they are able to take in air effectively. In contrast, other options indicate varying degrees of respiratory distress or inadequacy. For instance, a lack of effort signifies severe distress and potentially indicates that the infant is not breathing adequately, which would warrant immediate medical intervention. Slow and irregular breathing can suggest that the newborn is struggling but is not in immediate crisis, while very rapid breathing may be a sign of respiratory distress or hyperventilation. Therefore, the correct assessment of a healthy newborn's respiratory effort aligns with the expectation of good, strong, and effective breathing, typically presented as crying. This detail is crucial for understanding the respiratory status of newborns during the early minutes of life.