How would you describe a neonate with meconium staining, a heart rate of 110/minute, and strong respiratory effort?

A neonate who has meconium staining, a heart rate of 110 beats per minute, and strong respiratory effort can be described as vigorous. In the context of newborns, a vigorous infant typically exhibits a heart rate above 100 beats per minute, demonstrates strong muscle tone, and has good respiratory effort, which suggests effective breathing and the ability to clear fluid from their airways.

The presence of meconium staining indicates that the infant was exposed to meconium in utero, which can be a concern for meconium aspiration syndrome. However, the key indicators of being vigorous include both a satisfactory heart rate and adequate respiratory effort, as seen in this case.

To clarify, a non-vigorous infant would present with a lower heart rate (usually below 100 beats per minute), weak or absent respiratory effort, and poor muscle tone, signifying a need for more immediate medical intervention. Descriptions such as small for gestational age or macrosomia relate to the weight and growth of the infant, not to the immediate assessment of their condition post-birth. Therefore, the combination of a decent heart rate, strong respiratory effort, and the ability to remain stable in this context ensures that the appropriate description is vigorous.