Which of the following is part of the immediate care for a newborn after delivery?

The immediate care for a newborn after delivery prioritizes actions that stabilize the infant and promote effective transition to life outside the womb. Drying and stimulating the baby is crucial for several reasons. It helps to remove any amniotic fluid from the baby's skin, which reduces the risk of hypothermia, as newborns can quickly lose body heat. Additionally, stimulating the baby by gently rubbing the back or flicking the soles of the feet encourages the onset of normal respiratory function. This stimulation can prompt the baby to take its first breaths and cry, which are indicators that the lungs are functioning properly.

Performing a full physical examination and weighing the baby, while important, are not immediate priorities. These tasks typically occur after the newborn has been stabilized and requires more thorough assessment after initial care measures. Administering a vitamin K injection is also a necessary step to prevent hemorrhagic disease in newborns, but it is generally performed shortly after the initial stabilization and stimulation have taken place. Therefore, while all these aspects are essential parts of newborn care, the act of drying and stimulating the infant is the immediate and vital first step.