In caring for a newborn baby boy who starts gagging and becomes cyanotic, which action should the nurse implement first?

A. Providing oxygen by resuscitation bag and mask is not the first step because the airway must be cleared before effective ventilation can occur. B. Holding the infant with head and chest supported is correct positioning but must be combined with an active airway-clearing intervention. C. Aspirating the nasopharynx with a bulb syringe is the priority to remove mucus or fluid causing gagging and cyanosis, allowing the infant to breathe effectively. D. Giving three back blows is appropriate if airway obstruction is caused by a solid object, but for newborns with mucus or fluid, suctioning is the first-line intervention.