Final answer:
The equipment needed to clear the airway after birth includes a bulb syringe and suction catheter.
Step-by-step explanation:
After birth, the airway of a newborn may need to be cleared to ensure proper breathing. The equipment needed to clear the airway includes a bulb syringe and suction catheter. The bulb syringe is used to suction out the mucus from the baby's mouth and nose, while the suction catheter is used to remove any mucus or debris from the throat and trachea.
Clearing a newborn's airway after birth is a critical step to ensure the infant can breathe properly. The equipment typically needed for this procedure includes a bulb syringe or a suction catheter to aspirate mucus from the mouth and nose. In cases where meconium is present in the amniotic fluid, more extensive aspiration may be necessary to prevent the newborn from inhaling this substance before the first breath. In addition, if there is an obstruction or if the newborn's respiratory system requires support, endotracheal intubation may be performed. During intubation, a plastic tube is inserted into the trachea to bypass any blockage, and a squeezable bag may be connected to supply air to the lungs. This equipment ensures that the airway remains open and that oxygen can be efficiently delivered to the newborn's lungs.