During neonatal assessment, if the newborn's heart rate is in the normal range (120–160 bpm), which action is recommended first?

• A. BVM with room air
• B. Dry, Warm, Position, Suction, Stimulate
• C. Blow-by oxygen at 5 L/min
• D. CPR

Answer: (B)

When a newborn’s heart rate is in the normal range, the priority is to support breathing and prevent heat loss. The best first action is to dry the infant, keep them warm, position the airway to maximize patency, suction only if there are secretions or obstruction, and stimulate the baby to breathe. These steps encourage spontaneous breathing and maintain thermoregulation, so there’s no need to begin ventilation, give supplemental oxygen, or start CPR while the heart rate remains normal.