Which sign would be most concerning in a newborn who has just undergone a cesarean birth?

In a newborn who has just undergone a cesarean birth, having respirations of 70/min is particularly concerning. Normal respiratory rates for a newborn typically range from 30 to 60 breaths per minute. A rate significantly above this upper limit can indicate potential respiratory distress or an underlying issue, such as transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN), which is often seen in neonates delivered by cesarean section. TTN can result from fluid retention in the lungs or inadequate clearance of lung fluid during delivery, leading to increased work of breathing and potentially requiring further assessment or intervention.

While a body temperature of 97.5°F is generally within a safe range for a newborn, maintaining normothermia is important, especially following surgery, to prevent hypothermia or other complications. A heart rate of 130/min is well within normal limits for a newborn, as rates typically range from 120 to 160 bpm. Difficulty in establishing feeding can be a concern for a newborn, but it is not as immediately alarming as a significantly elevated respiratory rate. This context emphasizes the importance of close monitoring of respiratory function in newborns, particularly those born via cesarean delivery, to ensure their well-being.