Final answer:
The priority for a nurse caring for a 34-week gestation neonate in the NICU should be ensuring adequate oxygenation, as proper breathing and oxygen levels are crucial for the survival and stability of a preterm newborn.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a neonate at 34 weeks' gestation is admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit, the primary objective for a nurse should be ensuring that the oxygenation remains adequate. This is because immediately after birth, newborns must make significant adjustments to breathe on their own and maintain oxygen levels; for preterm infants like the one in the scenario, this can be particularly challenging due to the immaturity of their lungs and the possibility of conditions like respiratory distress syndrome, which is caused by inadequate surfactant production. Adequate oxygenation is crucial, as it is fundamental to all other physiological functions and supports the transition to extra-uterine life. Once the baby's oxygenation is stable, other objectives related to growth, thermoregulation, and heart rate can then be addressed in sequence.