What condition can pulse oximetry screening potentially detect in newborns?

Pulse oximetry screening in newborns is primarily used to measure the oxygen saturation levels in the blood. The primary condition that this screening can detect is hypoxemia, which refers to an insufficient level of oxygen in the blood. Early detection of hypoxemia is critical because it can indicate underlying health issues such as congenital heart defects or respiratory distress, necessitating prompt evaluation and intervention.

The other options, while important health parameters, do not directly relate to what pulse oximetry measures. Hyperthermia relates to elevated body temperature, dehydration pertains to fluid levels in the body, and hematocrit issues refer to the proportion of blood volume occupied by red blood cells. These conditions require different assessment methods and would not be detected through pulse oximetry. Thus, the primary function of pulse oximetry is effectively to identify and monitor oxygenation status, making hypoxemia the relevant condition it screens for in newborns.