One minute after birth, a newborn is pink with blue extremities, a strong cry, and active movement. Which statement best describes the newborn's condition?

• A. Is tachycardic.
• B. Will need supplemental oxygen.
• C. Is healthy.
• D. Will need assisted ventilation.

Answer: (C)

The key idea is how a newborn adapts in the first minutes of life by color, breathing, and activity. Pink body with blue extremities (acrocyanosis) is a common, acceptable finding shortly after birth and does not by itself indicate trouble. A strong cry and active movement show good respiratory effort and muscle tone, meaning the baby is oxygenating well and functioning normally outside the womb. Taken together, these signs describe a healthy newborn early in adaptation.

If central blue coloring worsened or the baby was limp, not breathing well, or had poor tone, that would point toward the need for supplemental oxygen or assisted ventilation. But with active, vigorous behavior and appropriate color, those interventions aren’t indicated.