Maternity Nursing Q 131

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When assessing the newborn’s heart rate, which of the following ranges would be considered normal if the newborn were sleeping?

  

     A. 80 beats per minute

     B. 100 beats per minute

     C. 120 beats per minute

     D. 140 beats per minute

    

    

Correct Answer: B. 100 beats per minute

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The normal heart rate for a newborn that is sleeping is approximately 100 beats per minute. If the newborn was awake, the normal heart rate would range from 120 to 160 beats per minute.

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Option A: 80 beats per minute is below the normal range of a newborn’s heart rate. Neonatal bradycardia is defined as a decrease in heart by 30 bpm from baseline. Regarding neonatal resuscitation, bradycardia is concerning when the heart rate is less than 100 bpm. The primary cause of neonatal bradycardia is hypoxia. Other causes of bradycardia in this age group include hypothermia, hypovolemia, and pneumothorax, head injury, and medications.

Option C: Newborns 0 to 1 month old has a normal range of 70 to 190 beats per minute

Option D: 140 beats per minute is still within the normal range of a newborn’s heart rate.

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