What should be the first step if a newborn shows signs of respiratory distress after resuscitation?

In the context of managing a newborn who shows signs of respiratory distress after resuscitation, the first priority should always be to reestablish an adequate airway and ensure proper ventilation. Assessing the airway allows healthcare providers to determine if there are any obstructions or factors compromising normal breathing.

Providing supplemental oxygen is critical in this scenario because newborns might require additional oxygen support to counteract hypoxia resulting from ineffective breathing or poor oxygenation during the resuscitation process. Ensuring proper ventilation involves checking whether the newborn is breathing adequately and intervening if there are any signs of inadequate ventilation, such as high respiratory rates or low oxygen saturation levels.

While administering analgesics, performing chest compressions, or increasing ambient temperature may be appropriate in certain clinical situations, they are not the immediate priorities when addressing respiratory distress. The focus should always be on stabilizing the airway and ensuring effective breathing, as adequate oxygenation is vital for the healthy functioning of all body systems in newborns.