What is the expected pulse rate of a newborn?

The expected pulse rate of a newborn is typically between 100 to 160 beats per minute. During the first few days of life, the heart rate can rapidly vary, but the normal resting pulse for a newborn lies within this range.

The pulse rate is generally higher in newborns compared to older children and adults due to their smaller body size and higher metabolic demands. Although some variability is normal, it is uncommon for a healthy newborn to have a resting pulse rate consistently outside of the range of 100 to 160 beats per minute.

A heart rate that ranges from 80 to 180 would not accurately reflect the general expectations and norms for newborns. The ranges provided in the incorrect choices either fall below the normal range or extend beyond it, indicating that while a wider variation might be observed under certain circumstances, it does not represent the expected findings for a healthy newborn. Thus, the correct understanding of a newborn's heart rate ranges from 100 to 160 beats per minute.