Final answer:
Before a baby leaves the delivery area, they must receive antibiotic eye ointment to prevent infections, identification bands for safety, and undergo an Apgar test to assess their initial health status. Breastfeeding and a bath, while beneficial, are not immediate requirements for leaving the delivery area.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question "What must the baby have before it leaves the delivery area?" pertains to standard hospital procedures and protocols for newborn care immediately after birth. Before a baby leaves the delivery area, several critical steps are taken to ensure the newborn's safety and well-being. One of the essential requirements is the administration of antibiotic eye ointment to the newborn's eyes. This practice is primarily to prevent eye infections that could lead to blindness, especially if the mother has a sexually transmitted infection like chlamydia or gonorrhea.
The newborn also receives identification bands to ensure proper identification and to prevent mix-ups. Another standard procedure includes the newborn's first Apgar test an assessment of the newborn's adaptation to the external environment immediately after birth. While breastfeeding is highly encouraged and can contribute to a baby's health by providing antibodies, it is not a mandatory action before leaving the delivery area. Similarly, a bath can be given to clean the infant but is not immediately necessary for the infant to leave the delivery area. Therefore the focus is primarily on identification, eye protection, and initial health assessment.