Final answer:
The most important action to take after clearing the airway of a newborn who is not in distress is to check for breathing. Since breathing is essential and indicative of cardiorespiratory health, it should be assessed before other interventions when the newborn shows no distress signs.
Step-by-step explanation:
After clearing the airway of a newborn who is not in distress, it is most important for you to check for breathing.
If a newborn's airway has been cleared and they are not showing any signs of distress, the next critical step is to ensure that they are breathing properly. Breathing is a vital sign and a primary indicator of a functioning cardiorespiratory system. It's important to remember that in the context of newborn care, especially after birth, ensuring an open airway and adequate breathing takes precedence over other interventions such as administering oxygen, performing chest compressions, or assessing for a pulse.
However, if the newborn is not breathing well or the respiration rate is not within the normal range, immediate action is required, potentially including CPR if there are no signs of circulation. A healthcare professional should assess the baby’s condition and take appropriate action, guided by protocols such as the Apgar score system which includes assessment of respiration and heart rate as some of its most critical criteria for a newborn's health right after birth.