What vital sign assessment is critical immediately following delivery of a newborn?

Immediately following delivery, heart rate assessment is critical for newborns as it is an essential indicator of the infant's well-being and immediate adaptation to extrauterine life. A newborn's heart rate can provide valuable information about their circulatory status and overall health. A normal heart rate in newborns typically ranges from 120 to 160 beats per minute. Deviations from this range can indicate potential problems such as hypoxia, congenital heart defects, or other complications that require immediate medical attention.

This focus on heart rate is crucial because it helps healthcare providers assess the effectiveness of the newborn’s transition from fetal to neonatal physiology. Early identification of any abnormalities in heart rate allows for prompt interventions, which can be vital for the newborn's health outcomes.