At what point will the preductal SpO2 reading continue to increase within the first ten minutes?

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The preductal SpO2 reading in newborns typically continues to increase throughout the first ten minutes following birth as the infant transitions from in utero to extrauterine life. During this period, various physiological changes occur, including the establishment of effective breathing and the improvement in pulmonary blood flow, which enhances oxygenation.

In a healthy newborn, increases in preductal SpO2 are marked and continue to rise as they adapt to breathing air. Initial readings are often lower immediately after birth due to the presence of fetal circulation, with the transition to normal oxygen saturation levels taking several minutes. Research indicates that significant improvements in oxygen saturation can be observed around the 10-minute mark, as the lungs fully expand and eliminate residual pulmonary fluid, allowing for optimal oxygen exchange.

Therefore, the correct answer reflects the understanding that the preductal SpO2 reading will typically continue to rise throughout the first ten minutes, indicating effective transition and stabilization of the newborn's respiratory status.

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