FISDAP Obstetrics and Pediatrics Practice Test 2026 – Your All-In-One Guide to Exam Success!

The correct action is to dry the newborn vigorously with a towel. Immediately after delivery, it is critical to dry the newborn to help facilitate thermoregulation and prevent hypothermia. Newborns can quickly lose body heat, especially if they are wet. By drying them off, you not only help maintain their body temperature but also stimulate them, which can encourage additional breathing efforts.

This action is essential when the newborn displays signs of respiratory function, such as a strong cry, indicating that the lungs are functioning well despite the peripheral cyanosis observed. Peripheral cyanosis, which is a bluish discoloration of the extremities, is often a normal finding shortly after birth and can generalize as the baby stabilizes.

Positioning the newborn upright may not be necessary immediately after birth, as it could interfere with effective drying and thermal control. While administering warmth and fluids is important in neonatal care, your first priority should be drying the newborn as this is a critical step immediately after delivery. Monitoring for respiratory distress is part of ongoing assessment after initial care has been provided, but it is not the immediate action that needs to be taken right after assisting in the delivery.