When delivering a newborn, which action is the correct initial step in a basic newborn assessment?

• A. Suction the mouth.
• B. Check for heart rate.
• C. Dry and stimulate the infant.
• D. Clamp the umbilical cord.

Answer: (C)

The first move is to dry and stimulate the newborn. Right after birth, the priorities are warmth and initiating breathing. Drying helps prevent cold stress, and gentle stimulation encourages the infant to cry and take a breath, which often starts the normal breathing pattern on its own. This simple step sets the stage for a quick assessment of whether the infant is breathing adequately and has good tone. Suctioning the mouth is reserved for clear airway secretions or obstruction, not a routine first step when the baby appears reasonably active. Checking the heart rate and deciding on further resuscitation steps come after you’ve addressed breathing and warmth, and clamping the cord isn’t the initial action in the basic assessment.