What is the first action for a limp newborn after delivery?

The appropriate first action for a limp newborn after delivery is to suction the mouth and nose using a bulb syringe. This is critical because the newborn may have fluid, mucus, or meconium obstructing the airway. Clearing the airway is a priority to ensure that the baby can breathe effectively and does not experience respiratory distress due to obstructions.

Immediate suctioning helps to stimulate the infant, and once the airway is clear, the infant can begin to breathe normally. This action lays the groundwork for the subsequent steps in newborn care, including ensuring warmth and possibly administering oxygen if needed later.

The other actions, while important in their own right for newborn care, come after ensuring the airway is clear. Placing the infant on its back is a step in providing proper positioning but should not take precedence over airway clearance. Warming the newborn is necessary to prevent hypothermia, and oxygen may be administered if there are signs of respiratory distress, but these actions cannot be performed effectively until the airway is addressed.