In a newborn showing cyanosis at 6 minutes of life, which action should the nurse take first?

In the scenario of a newborn showing cyanosis at 6 minutes of life, the most appropriate first action is to check the infant's pulse oximeter reading. This step is crucial as it provides immediate and objective data regarding the infant’s oxygen saturation levels, helping to ascertain the severity of the condition.

By measuring the pulse oximetry, the nurse can determine if the cyanosis is due to a significant drop in oxygen levels which may indicate a need for rapid intervention. This assessment is essential, as it informs subsequent actions; knowing the precise oxygen saturation allows the healthcare team to make evidence-based decisions regarding oxygen administration and other necessary interventions.

Once the pulse oximeter reading is obtained, if the levels are low, the nurse can then respond appropriately, possibly by administering oxygen or calling for additional support, such as the neonatal resuscitation team, based on the severity of the readings. Therefore, assessing the situation through pulse oximetry before taking further action aligns with the practice of prioritizing interventions based on accurate assessments.