Final answer:
The nurse should apply pulse oximeters to the newborn's hand and foot at the same time to screen for critical congenital heart disease (CCHD).
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse should plan to apply pulse oximeters to the newborn's hand and foot at the same time to assist with screening for critical congenital heart disease (CCHD). This is because CCHD can cause a significant difference in the oxygen saturation of the upper and lower extremities. By comparing the readings from the hand and foot, any significant discrepancy can be detected.
The other options mentioned in the question are not appropriate for screening CCHD. Determining the newborn's Ballard score is a method used to assess gestational age based on physical and neurological characteristics, while Apgar scores are used to evaluate the newborn's overall condition at birth. Performing a heel stick and applying blood to a specialized filter paper is more commonly done to screen for metabolic disorders or certain blood conditions.
Learn more about screening for critical congenital heart disease