Which of the following skin assessments would indicate an abnormality in a newborn?

Which of the following skin assessments would indicate an abnormality in a newborn?

• A. Completely pink skin
• B. Blue extremities with pink trunk
• C. Pale appearance across the body
• D. Normal skin tone across face

Answer: (C)

A pale appearance across the body in a newborn can indicate an abnormality, as it may suggest inadequate blood flow or oxygenation, potentially pointing to conditions like anemia or shock. In healthy newborns, skin color should typically reflect adequate perfusion and oxygenation, which includes a healthy and even skin tone across the body. In contrast, completely pink skin is considered a normal finding, indicating proper circulation and oxygenation. Blue extremities with a pink trunk may be observed in newborns during the early minutes after birth and is generally not concerning if the trunk is pink, as it can be a transient condition known as acrocyanosis. A normal skin tone across the face is expected and demonstrates that the newborn is well-perfused, with no indications of cyanosis or other abnormalities.

A pale appearance across the body in a newborn can indicate an abnormality, as it may suggest inadequate blood flow or oxygenation, potentially pointing to conditions like anemia or shock. In healthy newborns, skin color should typically reflect adequate perfusion and oxygenation, which includes a healthy and even skin tone across the body.

In contrast, completely pink skin is considered a normal finding, indicating proper circulation and oxygenation. Blue extremities with a pink trunk may be observed in newborns during the early minutes after birth and is generally not concerning if the trunk is pink, as it can be a transient condition known as acrocyanosis. A normal skin tone across the face is expected and demonstrates that the newborn is well-perfused, with no indications of cyanosis or other abnormalities.