Paramedic National Registry Practice

For a neonate presenting flaccid and blue, what is the immediate action that should be taken?

1. Administer oxygen

2. Start CPR

3. Dry/Warm

4. Initiate IV fluids

The correct answer is: Dry/Warm

The immediate action for a neonate who is flaccid and blue is to dry and warm the infant. This step is crucial because newborns lose heat rapidly, and hypothermia can worsen their condition. By drying the infant, you remove any amniotic fluid and reduce heat loss through evaporation, while also providing tactile stimulation that can encourage breathing and circulation. Warming the baby helps maintain body temperature, which is critical for survival and responds to the physiological needs of a newborn in distress. In scenarios involving a neonate, while administering oxygen, starting CPR, and initiating IV fluids are important interventions, the first action should be to stabilize the infant's immediate environment—especially in terms of temperature and initial tactile stimulation—as this can often lead to improved respiratory efforts and circulation.