If a newborn appears dusky but is breathing satisfactorily, what should be the first action of the nurse?

In the scenario where a newborn appears dusky but is breathing satisfactorily, the priority is to assess the infant's oxygen saturation rate. This measurement provides immediate and objective data about the newborn's oxygenation status. It helps determine the degree of the dusky appearance and whether it is due to hypoxia or another reason, such as blood flow issues or environmental factors.

By assessing oxygen saturation, the nurse can take appropriate actions based on the results, such as administering supplemental oxygen if levels are low. This step is crucial in establishing a clear understanding of the infant's respiratory and cardiovascular health before proceeding with further interventions. Monitoring the saturation allows the healthcare team to make informed decisions quickly regarding additional support or notifying other healthcare providers if necessary.

While suctioning or repositioning the infant may be beneficial in certain circumstances, these actions would typically follow the assessment of oxygen saturation to ensure that the infant's primary need for oxygenation is addressed first.