Final answer:
A nurse should perform an Apgar test to assess a newborn's wellbeing, which evaluates skin color, heart rate, reflexes, muscle tone, and respiration, with scores taken at 1 and 5 minutes after birth.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse should observe the newborn's resting position and perform an Apgar test to assess the infant's wellbeing. The Apgar score evaluates five criteria: skin color, heart rate, reflexes, muscle tone, and respiration, each assigned a score of 0, 1, or 2, with total scores indicating the newborn's condition post-delivery.
Close observation is critical as the neonate adjusts to the new environment outside the womb, including the transition from fetal circulation to independent breathing. The Apgar scores are taken at 1 minute and 5 minutes after birth, providing important feedback on the newborn's overall health and need for further medical attention.