When can a complete sponge bath be given to a newborn?

A complete sponge bath for a newborn is appropriately given once the newborn's temperature stabilizes. Newborns are particularly sensitive to temperature fluctuations, especially in the first few hours after birth. A sponge bath helps maintain body temperature, but it can also lead to heat loss if the newborn is not stable.

Before the temperature is stabilized, it is crucial to avoid providing a full sponge bath because the exposure could lead to hypothermia. The healthcare team typically monitors the newborn's temperature closely, and once it is consistently in a safe range, a sponge bath can be performed. This ensures that the baby remains warm and is adequately protected during the bathing process.

Other options imply conditions that either are not immediately relevant to the process of bathing or suggest prolonged delays that are not necessary in a standard clinical environment.