Final answer:
After checking that an infant has normal breathing and a pulse, the next step is to complete the Apgar score assessment to evaluate the newborn's condition. Criteria such as skin color, muscle tone, and respiration are scored to help determine the health status of the baby.
Step-by-step explanation:
If an infant has normal breathing and a pulse, the next step is to proceed with further assessments to assign the Apgar score. The Apgar score is a simple assessment given immediately after birth to evaluate the newborn's transition from the uterus to the outside world. Five criteria are assessed: skin color, heart rate, reflex, muscle tone, and respiration. Each criterion is assigned a score of 0, 1, or 2, with the scores being added together both at 1 minute and 5 minutes after birth. High scores indicate the baby is transitioning well, whereas lower scores may suggest the baby is in distress and could require medical attention. Normally, an Apgar score of 8 or above is considered normal and indicates that the baby is in good health. A score lower than 7 after 5 minutes may indicate a need for medical assistance.