How can you evaluate the effectiveness of resuscitation efforts in a newborn?

Monitoring heart rate, respiratory effort, and color change is crucial in evaluating the effectiveness of resuscitation efforts in a newborn. During resuscitation, immediate indicators such as heart rate provide essential information about the newborn's cardiovascular status. A significant improvement or return to a normal heart rate suggests that the resuscitation is successful.

Respiratory effort is another vital sign to assess; the presence of spontaneous breathing or adequate respiratory effort indicates that the newborn is starting to stabilize and breathe effectively on their own. Additionally, color change—specifically observing the newborn's skin for signs of adequate oxygenation—helps indicate circulation and the effectiveness of ventilation. A transition from a bluish or pale appearance to a more pinkish tone usually signifies improved oxygen delivery and overall health.

Other options focus on aspects that do not provide immediate feedback on the effectiveness of resuscitation efforts. For instance, digestive function and established feeding patterns can only be assessed after stabilization, while skin temperature and muscle tone, while applicable in a broader clinical context, do not offer the rapid, specific indications needed right after resuscitation. Thus, the combination of heart rate, respiratory effort, and color change is the most direct approach to gauge how effectively the resuscitation process is unfolding.