Final answer:
In light-skinned infants, jaundice is best checked in the face and hands, while in dark-skinned infants, it is best assessed on the palms and soles, as well as the oral mucosa. The Apgar test, which includes skin color evaluation, is used at birth to determine a newborn's health status.
Step-by-step explanation:
When assessing for jaundice in infants, the best areas to inspect vary due to skin pigmentation. In light-skinned infants, jaundice can often be most easily observed in the face and hands. More specifically, checking the sclera (white part of the eye) and the mucous membranes can be useful, as these areas may take on a yellowish color. In dark-skinned infants, the best areas to observe jaundice are the palms and soles.
The oral mucosa, particularly the hard palate, and the inside part of the eyelid may also exhibit a yellow tint in cases of jaundice, thus providing additional assessment points. Rubbing a finger over the nose or forehead can exert pressure on the skin and briefly reveal the underlying coloration, providing further diagnostic insight for practitioners in darker-skinned infants.
During the assessment of a newborn's health, criteria such as skin color, heart rate, reflex, muscle tone, and respiration are scored using the Apgar test. This scoring system is administered at 1 minute and again at 5 minutes after birth to determine the well-being of the newborn and identify any immediate needs for medical intervention. While the Apgar test does not specifically focus on jaundice, changes in skin color are a critical aspect of this assessment.