Which finding would you expect in a neonate an hour after spontaneous vaginal delivery?

In a neonate an hour after spontaneous vaginal delivery, a capillary glucose level of 60 mg/dL is within the acceptable range. Maintaining adequate blood glucose levels is crucial for newborns, as they may be at risk for hypoglycemia, particularly if they experienced any stress during labor or delivery. A level of 60 mg/dL indicates that the neonate has a sufficient metabolic response to maintain energy levels.

With regard to the other options, a respiratory rate of 56 breaths per minute, while not alarming, is on the lower end, as normal neonatal rates typically range from 40 to 60 breaths per minute, with a general expectation toward the higher end shortly after birth. A holosystolic murmur may indicate potential cardiac issues and is not a routine expected finding in a healthy neonate. Lastly, a single transverse crease across the palm is often associated with Down syndrome (Trisomy 21) and is not a routine finding in neonates in general. Thus, the capillary glucose level of 60 mg/dL stands out as a normal and expected finding for a healthy newborn shortly after birth.