What is one of the primary assessments to perform after delivery of the head?

After the delivery of the head, one of the primary assessments is to check for a nuchal cord, which refers to the umbilical cord wrapping around the newborn's neck. This is a critical step because a nuchal cord can restrict the newborn's breathing and can lead to potential complications if not addressed immediately. If the cord is found to be wrapped around the neck, it may need to be gently slipped over the baby's head or clamped and cut to ensure the infant can breathe properly once fully delivered.

Assessing for maternal bleeding is certainly important postpartum but occurs after the immediate concerns regarding the newborn's well-being have been addressed. Measuring the newborn's weight and administering vitamin K are also important aspects of newborn care but are not immediate priorities right after the head is delivered. These tasks can wait until the newborn's airway is secured and any potential complications with the cord are resolved.