What is NOT a symptom of apnea?

The presence of respiratory effort is not a symptom of apnea. Apnea is defined as a temporary cessation of breathing that can range from a few seconds to prolonged interruptions. During an apneic event, there is a complete halt in effective respiratory airflow. Thus, the hallmark of apnea is the absence of spontaneous breathing effort for a designated amount of time, typically exceeding 20 seconds, which can lead to additional complications such as cyanosis or bradycardia.

Understanding apnea in neonates is crucial, particularly because it can lead to significant outcomes. In a clinical context, identifying apnea involves observing for both the cessation of airflow and the physiological responses to that cessation, such as changes in heart rate and skin color. The presence of respiratory effort would indicate that the infant is still trying to breathe, which is inconsistent with the definition of apnea. Therefore, recognizing that respiratory effort is absent during an apneic episode is essential for assessment and management in a neonatal intensive care setting.