What is the MOST important initial step when assessing a newborn?

The most important initial step when assessing a newborn is clearing the airway and keeping the infant warm. This approach addresses two critical aspects of newborn care immediately after birth. First, ensuring that the airway is clear is essential because newborns may have mucus or amniotic fluid that can obstruct breathing. Clearing the airway effectively allows the infant to breathe freely and reduces the risk of respiratory issues.

Second, maintaining the infant's body temperature is crucial, as newborns are particularly vulnerable to hypothermia due to their relatively high surface area to volume ratio. Keeping the infant warm helps prevent complications associated with low body temperature, such as metabolic issues and increased oxygen demand.

While obtaining a heart rate and other assessments are important, initiating the process with airway clearance and thermal regulation sets the foundation for a stable transition to extrauterine life.