(3) The final APGAR score is the sum total of the five items, with a
maximum score of ten. The higher the final APGAR score, the better condition of the
infant.
(4) Evaluations at one minute quickly indicate the neonate's initial
adaptation to extrauterine life and whether or not resuscitation is necessary.
(5) The five-minute score gives a more accurate picture of the neonate's
overall status, including obvious neurologic impairment or impending death.
8-4.
PROCEDURE FOR ADMISSION TO THE NURSERY
a. Carry out the hospital policy for gowning and the three-minute scrub. If you
are already wearing scrubs, it is not necessary to gown. If the initial scrub has already
been completed when coming on duty, a one-minute scrub is acceptable.
b. Receive the infant from the transporter. Take the infant from the transporter
or the transporter's arms. Verify the ID bracelet on the infant's arm and leg with the
delivery room personnel. Make sure the information is accurate (i.e., mother's name,
sex of the infant, date and time of birth, and doctor's name). Take the report from the
delivery room person. The report concerns pertinent information of the mother's labor
and of the newborn's birth.
c. Remove the delivery room blanket from the infant.
d. Weigh the infant. Place a protective paper cover over the scale first and
make sure the scale is balanced. Place the infant on the scale. Document the infant's
weight on the:
(1)
SF 510, Nursing Notes.
(2)
Delivery room record.
(3)
Instant data card.
e. Place the infant in an open warmer for the remainder of the admission
procedures to maintain adequate temperature.
(1)
Measure the infant (see figure 8-5).
(a) Length (from top of head to the heel with the leg fully extended).
(b) Head circumference - repeat after molding and caput succedaneum
are resolved.
(c)
Chest circumference (at the nipple line).
(d) Abdominal circumference.
MD0922
8-8