Question

When should the assessment of the newborn be performed, ideally, after birth?

A) Within 1 hour of birth
B) Within 2 hours of birth
C) Before the nurse's shift change
D) After 3 hours of birth

Answer 1

The Apgar test, performed at 1 minute and again at 5 minutes after birth, is the standard method used to assess a newborn's transition from the womb.

Step-by-step explanation:

The ideal time for the assessment of the newborn is within 1 hour of birth, specifically at 1 minute and again at 5 minutes after birth. This assessment is referred to as the Apgar test, which evaluates five criteria: skin color, heart rate, reflex, muscle tone, and respiration. Each criterion is assigned a score of 0, 1, or 2, and the cumulative score helps healthcare providers gauge the baby's transition from the womb to the external environment.

High scores signal a successful transition, whereas lower scores may indicate distress and the need for potential medical intervention. These scores are taken at both 1 minute and 5 minutes after birth, with higher scores indicating a successful transition.