Final answer:
The Apgar test is used to assess a newborn's transition to the outside world, evaluating five criteria, including skin color and heart rate, for a total score out of 10 to indicate the baby's condition.
Step-by-step explanation:
The system used to evaluate newborns immediately after birth is the Apgar test. This assessment measures five criteria: skin color, heart rate, reflex, muscle tone, and respiration, each scored between 0 and 2. The Apgar score is taken at one minute and five minutes after birth to determine the baby's transition from the womb to the outside world. Scores range from 0 to 10, with higher scores indicating a smoother transition and lower scores suggesting the baby may be in distress and need medical attention.
The test, which was introduced in 1952 by anesthesiologist Dr. Virginia Apgar, is quick, easy, painless, and can be performed using just a stethoscope. The mnemonic APGAR stands for "Appearance" (skin color), "Pulse" (heart rate), "Grimace" (reflex), "Activity" (muscle tone), and "Respiration". Critical criteria include heart rate and respiration, with a score below 7 at the 5-minute mark indicating a potential need for medical aid, and a score under 5 representing an emergency. Normal scores are generally 8 or above.