Question

When the baby stays with the mother for initial steps after birth, what should be monitored to determine if additional interventions are required?

a) temperature
b) breathing
c) blood pressure
d) color
e) tone and activity

Answer 1

The health of a newborn is monitored using the Apgar score immediately after birth, focusing on skin color, heart rate, and respiration to ensure proper transition from the womb, with scores indicating whether medical intervention may be required.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a baby stays with the mother for initial steps after birth, the health of the newborn should be monitored closely to determine if additional interventions are required. This monitoring is done using the Apgar score, a simple assessment given to an infant immediately after birth to evaluate its transition from the uterus to the outside world. The Apgar score considers five criteria: skin color, heart rate, reflex, muscle tone, and respiration. Each criterion is assigned a score of 0, 1, or 2, with scores taken at 1 minute after birth and again at 5 minutes after birth. High scores out of a possible 10 indicate the baby has made the transition from the womb successfully, but lower scores suggest distress and the possibility that the infant may need immediate medical attention. It is essential to address any concerns indicated by the Apgar score promptly to ensure the well-being of the newborn.