A 42-week gestation baby has been admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. At delivery, thick green amniotic fluid was noted. Which of the following actions by the nurse is most critical at this time?

Ophthalmic assessment to check for conjunctival irritation.

Rectal temperature to assess for septic hyperthermia.

Bath to remove meconium-stained fluid from the skin.

Respiratory evaluation to monitor for respiratory distress.