A neonate presents with irritability and hypotonia. What is the immediate priority intervention?

In the case of a neonate presenting with irritability and hypotonia, the immediate priority intervention is to check the serum blood glucose. Newborns are particularly vulnerable to hypoglycemia, which can lead to irritability, lethargy, and hypotonia if not quickly addressed. Immediate assessment of blood glucose levels is essential to rule out hypoglycemia as a cause of the infant's symptoms, since prompt treatment can prevent potential neurological damage.

Obtaining a serum blood glucose reading allows healthcare providers to quickly determine if hypoglycemia is present and to initiate appropriate treatment, such as administering intravenous dextrose or feeding if necessary. In emergency settings, hypoglycemia is a common and potentially life-threatening condition that can be swiftly resolved once identified.

Other options, while relevant in different contexts, do not address the immediate needs of this neonate. For instance, though toxin screening and imaging studies like a CT scan may be important in assessing other potential causes of irritability and hypotonia, they typically would not be prioritized over managing a potentially critical and correctable condition like hypoglycemia. Prostaglandin infusion would be relevant in specific scenarios, such as managing certain congenital heart defects, but bears no relation to irritability and hypotonia as presenting symptoms