Immediately after birth, what should a nurse do when handed a neonate by the health care provider?

The correct approach immediately after birth is to dry the neonate and provide skin-to-skin contact with the mother. This practice is essential for several reasons. First, it helps to regulate the infant's body temperature, as newborns can quickly lose heat in the delivery room. Drying the baby removes moisture from the skin and reduces the risk of hypothermia.

Furthermore, skin-to-skin contact promotes bonding between the mother and the infant, which is critical for emotional well-being for both. It encourages breastfeeding initiation and stabilizes the infant’s heart rate and breathing. The warmth from the mother's body also supports the infant’s physiological transition to life outside the womb.

The other actions, while important in the overall care of the newborn, are not the immediate priorities right after birth. Conducting a thorough examination is necessary but should follow the stabilization of the infant. Administering vaccinations and checking vital signs are also important but come only after ensuring the baby is dry, warm, and in a safe environment with the mother. Thus, prioritizing skin-to-skin contact aligns with best practices in neonatal care immediately post-delivery.