Which of the following indicators would be most informative in assessi

Which of the following indicators would be most informative in assessing the health of a newborn?

a. Apgar score at birth
b. Birth weight and length of gestation
c. Mother’s education and income from employment
d. When the mother began prenatal care at her local clinic

ESSAYBID ANSWER

ANS: B
Birth weight and length of gestation are the most important predictors of infant health. Although maternal education, income, and lack of prenatal factors are factors associated with preterm birth and low birth weight, at the time of birth it is most important to assess the weight of the infant and length of gestation. Using the Apgar score at birth is not as informative of a tool for assessing newborn health as the birth weight and length of gestation.