Which newborn should the nurse assess first among those born in the past 12 hours?

A newborn with an axillary temperature of 36C (96.8F) requires immediate assessment because this indicates hypothermia. Maintaining a normal body temperature is crucial for newborns, as they are unable to regulate their body temperature effectively during the first hours of life. Hypothermia in a newborn can lead to serious complications, including increased risk of metabolic issues, respiratory distress, and even mortality if not addressed promptly.

In the context of newborn care, a normal heart rate (like 160 bpm) is a typical finding, especially since it falls within the normal range for newborns, which is usually between 120 to 160 bpm. A newborn with normal respiratory effort also does not present an immediate concern. Additionally, a newborn who is feeding well demonstrates good physiological function and bonding, which are positive indicators.

The priority is always to ensure that the newborn is stable and that critical needs, like maintaining body temperature, are met first. Thus, assessing the newborn with hypothermia is imperative to provide the necessary interventions to prevent further complications.