North Carolina Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) State Practice Exam

What does a pulse rate above the normal range in a newborn indicate?

1. Normal development

2. Possible distress or illness

3. Aging process

4. Good health

The correct answer is: Possible distress or illness

A pulse rate above the normal range in a newborn typically indicates possible distress or illness. In normal healthy newborns, the pulse rate usually ranges between 120 to 160 beats per minute. When the heart rate exceeds this range, it can suggest that the newborn is experiencing some kind of physiological stress, which could be due to a variety of factors such as fever, infection, pain, or other medical conditions. Monitoring vital signs like pulse rate is a crucial part of assessing a newborn's health and can serve as an early warning sign of potential health issues that may require medical attention. While other options may seem tempting, they do not align with the clinical significance of an elevated pulse rate. For instance, normal development and good health would not typically manifest through an abnormal vital sign like a high pulse rate. Likewise, the aging process is not applicable as it does not pertain to newborns and their expected physiological responses.