Final answer:
The nursing action that takes top priority in this situation is to check the newborn's blood glucose levels due to the symptoms exhibited by the neonate. If hypoglycemia is confirmed, appropriate interventions, such as glucose supplementation, may be necessary.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nursing action that takes top priority in this situation is to check the newborn's blood glucose levels.
Given that the neonate is exhibiting jitteriness, irritability, and a high-pitched cry, these symptoms may indicate hypoglycemia, which can be a potential complication for neonates of insulin-dependent diabetic mothers. Hypoglycemia can be a result of the abrupt discontinuation of the maternal glucose supply after delivery. Therefore, it is important for the nurse to check the blood glucose levels of the newborn and take appropriate action based on the results.
If the blood glucose levels are indeed low, the nurse may need to administer glucose supplementation, either orally or intravenously, to stabilize the newborn's blood sugar levels and alleviate the symptoms.