Question

What should be assessed first in a newborn, followed by the assessment of what?

a) Specific gravity; pH
b) Respiratory rate; heart rate
c) pH; WBC (White Blood Cell count)
d) Temperature; specific gravity

Answer 1

The correct sequence for newborn assessment is respiratory rate followed by heart rate, as part of the Apgar score evaluation, which is critical for determining the baby's well-being and need for medical intervention.

Step-by-step explanation:

The right answer to the question of what should be assessed first in a newborn, followed by the assessment of what, is b) Respiratory rate; heart rate. Immediately after birth, it is crucial to evaluate the newborn's transition from the uterus to the outside environment using the Apgar score. This score assesses five criteria, with respiratory rate and heart rate being the most important. The technique for determining an Apgar score includes checking the skin color, heart rate, reflex, muscle tone, and respiratory rate using a mnemonic APGAR. Each criterion is assigned a score of 0, 1, or 2. The sum of these scores helps in determining the general well-being of the infant and the need for any immediate medical attention.