If meconium is present during suctioning, what should you do?

If meconium is present during suctioning, what should you do?

• A. Repeat suction several times
• B. Suction only once
• C. Ignore suctioning
• D. Delay suctioning until after placenta

Answer: (A)

Meconium in the airway makes repeated suctioning essential to clear the passage and protect breathing. When you see meconium while suctioning a newborn, you should continue suctioning multiple times until the airway is clear of material. This helps prevent meconium from being inhaled into the lungs and reduces the risk of airway obstruction and respiratory compromise. A single suction pass may leave thick meconium behind, and delaying or skipping suctioning isn’t safe for the infant’s immediate airway management.

Meconium in the airway makes repeated suctioning essential to clear the passage and protect breathing. When you see meconium while suctioning a newborn, you should continue suctioning multiple times until the airway is clear of material. This helps prevent meconium from being inhaled into the lungs and reduces the risk of airway obstruction and respiratory compromise. A single suction pass may leave thick meconium behind, and delaying or skipping suctioning isn’t safe for the infant’s immediate airway management.