What parameter should you monitor closely in a newborn post-resuscitation?

Monitoring vital signs, oxygen saturation, and neurological status in a newborn post-resuscitation is crucial for several reasons. After resuscitation, newborns are at risk for complications that can significantly impact their respiratory and cardiovascular function. Close observation of vital signs—such as heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure—provides immediate insight into the newborn's overall physiological stability.

Oxygen saturation is particularly important to assess the effectiveness of respiratory support, ensuring that the newborn is receiving adequate oxygenation to prevent hypoxia, which can lead to further complications. Neurological status is also essential to monitor, as it can indicate any potential brain injury or abnormal neurological function resulting from the events leading up to resuscitation or during the procedure itself.

While the other parameters such as urinary output, growth metrics, and skin integrity are important aspects of neonatal care, they are not immediate priorities in the post-resuscitation phase, where any signs of instability in vital signs, oxygen status, or neurological function need to be addressed quickly to ensure optimal outcomes for the newborn.