North Carolina EMT State Practice Exam

How should you suction the airway in neonatology prior to delivery?

1. Start with the nose

2. Suction the mouth first

3. Only suction after delivery

4. Use a vacuum device

The correct answer is: Suction the mouth first

In neonatology, the approach to suctioning the airway prior to delivery is particularly crucial for ensuring that the infant is able to breathe effectively upon arrival. When you suction the mouth first, it is so that any secretions are cleared from the oral cavity, which can help prevent aspiration as the infant begins to breathe. This is essential because clearing the mouth first allows for better access to the airway and reduces the risk of obstructing breathing with fluids that could cause aspiration pneumonia or other complications. Suctioning the mouth first aligns with the guidelines established for managing the airway in newborns. This technique prioritizes opening the airway and facilitating a clear respiratory pathway immediately upon birth. It is also important to note that suctioning from the mouth, followed by the nose, enables better visualization and access to the oral cavity and throat, which may have a higher likelihood of containing secretions that could interfere with breathing. Clearing the airway correctly helps set the stage for immediate resuscitation efforts if necessary, ensuring the neonate's transition to extrauterine life is as smooth as possible. It is also paramount to avoid unnecessary suctioning before birth, which could potentially cause harm or discomfort to the newborn.