North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) Practice Exam 2025 – The All-in-One Resource to Master Your Midwifery Certification!

In cases of early-onset Group B Streptococcus (GBS) infection in newborns, the symptoms are primarily related to respiratory and cardiovascular distress, which is reflected in the choice of cyanosis, apnea, and hypotension.

Cyanosis indicates a lack of adequate oxygen in the blood, which can occur when a newborn is struggling to breathe due to infection-related complications. Apnea refers to periods where the baby may stop breathing, which can be a critical symptom in an infected newborn, indicating significant respiratory distress. Hypotension, or low blood pressure, can occur due to the body’s inability to adequately respond to infection or sepsis, signaling a severe condition that requires immediate medical attention.

Understanding these symptoms is crucial for prompt identification and treatment of early-onset GBS infection, as the rapid onset of these symptoms can lead to serious health issues in the newborn if not addressed quickly.