A nurse caring for a neonate with probable meconium aspiration syndrome should prioritize which of the following interventions?

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In cases of meconium aspiration syndrome, the primary concern is the neonate's ability to breathe effectively due to the obstruction of airways and the potential for hypoxia, or low oxygen levels. Therefore, administering high-flow oxygen becomes a critical intervention to ensure the neonate receives adequate oxygenation as quickly as possible.

This intervention directly addresses the potential respiratory distress that can arise from meconium obstructing the airways and the resultant lung inflammation or infection. By providing high-flow oxygen, the nurse is actively working to mitigate any effects of hypoxia, enhance oxygen delivery, and support the neonate's breathing, which is vital for their overall health and stabilization.

Other interventions, such as monitoring skin integrity, assessing glycemic levels, or encouraging breast-feeding, are indeed important aspects of neonatal care but do not take precedence over the immediate need to secure adequate oxygenation in a patient at risk for respiratory complications from meconium aspiration syndrome. Thus, prioritizing high-flow oxygen administration reflects the urgency of this condition.

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