Question

When suctioning the newborn with a bulb syringe, which should be suctioned first, the mouth or the nose?

A) The mouth
B) The nose
C) Either one, as both have equal priority
D) It doesn't matter, as long as both are suctioned adequately

Answer 1

When using a bulb syringe on a newborn, the mouth should be suctioned first, followed by the nose, to prevent inhalation of mucus into the lungs.

Step-by-step explanation:

When suctioning the newborn with a bulb syringe, it is recommended to suction the mouth before the nose. Suctioning the mouth first minimizes the risk of inhaling any mucus from the mouth into the lungs, which can occur if the newborn takes a breath through the nose while the mouth is full of mucus. Once the mouth has been cleared, you can proceed to gently suction the nose. Clearing the mouth and nose is crucial because it helps to ensure that the newborn's airways are open to facilitate the first breaths, which inflate the lungs and bring about significant circulatory changes needed for life outside the womb.