Final answer:
Assessments used to determine size for gestational age in newborns include weight, length, head circumference, and the Ballard assessment, with the correct answer being option B. The Apgar test, while not used for size determination, is an essential health assessment conducted right after birth.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine the size for gestational age in newborns, health practitioners use weight, length, head circumference, and the Ballard assessment. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is B) Weight, length, head circumference, and the Ballard assessment. The Ballard assessment is a scoring system that helps determine a newborn's maturity and gestational age. It evaluates physical and neuromuscular maturity through a series of assessments. Additionally, a baby's weight and length are regularly measured against standard values for infants of the same age to monitor their growth. The average weight of a well-nourished, full-term newborn is about 3.4 kg (7.5 lb), and significant deviations from this average could be indicative of health issues or undernourishment.
The Apgar test is a separate assessment tool conducted immediately after birth to evaluate a newborn's overall health, examining criteria such as skin color, heart rate, reflex, muscle tone, and respiration. The Apgar test is not directly used to determine size for gestational age but is crucial for assessing the baby's immediate adaptation to the external environment.