Question

which action would be priority for the nurse to complete immediately after the delivery of a 40-week gestation newborn?

• assess the newborns glucose level.
• complete a full head-to-toe assessment.
• swaddle the infant and place in the bassinet.
• dry the newborn and place it skin-to-skin on the birthing parent.

Explanation:

Identify the clinical priority

The question asks for the priority nursing action immediately following the delivery of a healthy term (40-week gestation) newborn.

Evaluate thermoregulation and safety

Using the Newborn Safety knowledge point, preventing heat loss is critical. Dry the infant immediately to prevent evaporative heat loss, and place them skin-to-skin to promote thermoregulation and bonding.

Analyze the other options

Glucose checks are not routine for healthy term infants. Full assessments and swaddling in a bassinet are secondary to immediate stabilization and skin-to-skin contact.

Answer:

• Assess the newborn's glucose level.
• Complete a full head-to-toe assessment.
• Swaddle the infant and place in the bassinet.
• Dry the newborn and place it skin-to-skin on the birthing parent. (Correct answer)