When the newborn's crib was moved suddenly, the nurse noticed that his legs flexed and the arms fanned out, and then both came back toward the midline. The nurse would interpret this behavior as:

Determine the client’s temperature. This is because shaking chills during the immediate postpartum period can be a sign of infection, such as endometritis or mastitis. Infection is a serious complication that can lead to sepsis and shock if not treated promptly. The nurse should measure the client’s temperature and look for other signs of infection, such as foul-smelling lochia, breast tenderness, or tachycardia.

Choice A is wrong because placing the client on seizure precautions is not indicated for shaking chills. Seizure precautions are used for clients who have eclampsia or other conditions that increase the risk of seizures.

Choice B is wrong because covering the client with warm blankets may not be helpful for shaking chills. Warm blankets may increase the body temperature and worsen the infection.

Choice C is wrong because notifying the charge nurse is not the first action the nurse should take. The nurse should assess the client’s condition before reporting to the charge nurse or the provider.

Clear the respiratory tract. This is because clearing the respiratory tract is the first step in the initial care of a newborn following vaginal delivery. The respiratory tract includes the nose, mouth, and lungs.

Clearing the respiratory tract helps the baby breathe more easily and prevents aspiration of amniotic fluid, blood, or mucus. The nurse can use a bulb syringe or a suction device to gently remove any fluid from the baby's nose and mouth.

Choice B is not correct because drying the infant off and covering the head is not the first action to take. Drying and covering the infant helps prevent heat loss and hypothermia, which are important for newborn care. However, this should be done after clearing the respiratory tract.

Choice C is not correct because stimulating the infant to cry is not the first action to take. Stimulating the infant to cry can help expand the lungs and improve oxygenation, which is also important for newborn care. However, this should be done after clearing the respiratory tract.

Choice D is not correct because clamping the umbilical cord is not the first action to take. Clamping and cutting the umbilical cord separates the baby from the placenta, which is no longer needed after birth. However, this should be done after clearing the respiratory tract.