A newborn is delivered by cesarean section to a mother who is HIV-positive. The mother received antiretroviral therapy during pregnancy. Which intervention should the nurse implement?

A. Delay the initial bath for 1 to 2 days: Delaying the bath is recommended for thermal stability and skin protection, but it does not address HIV prophylaxis. Bathing alone does not prevent vertical transmission of HIV. B. Administer antibiotics for 7 to 10 days: Antibiotics are not routinely indicated for HIV-exposed newborns unless there is a concurrent infection. They do not prevent HIV transmission. C. Give zidovudine 6 to 12 hours after birth: Zidovudine is an antiretroviral medication given to HIV-exposed newborns to reduce the risk of vertical transmission. Initiating therapy within 6–12 hours of birth is standard practice and a key preventive intervention. D. Encourage breastfeeding every 2 to 3 hours: HIV can be transmitted through breast milk. In developed countries, formula feeding is recommended for HIV-positive mothers to prevent postnatal transmission unless safe alternatives are unavailable.