A nurse is caring for a newborn who is experiencing hypoglycemia. Which nursing intervention should be the priority?

For a newborn with a blood glucose of 30 mg/dL and neuroglycopenic signs (lethargy, poor tone, weak suck), the priority is to provide an immediate glucose source. If the infant can tolerate oral feeds, administer formula or expressed breast milk as the first-line, least invasive intervention.

This approach directly addresses the hypoglycemia by delivering carbohydrates, stimulating endogenous insulin response, and bypassing the ineffective breastfeeding attempt. It aligns with the NCLEX-RN priority-setting framework of using the least restrictive, most effective method before escalating to intravenous therapy.