The nurse is suctioning an infant after delivery. What statement reflects the correct procedure for clearing the infant's airway?

a) Suction the infant's nose first, then the mouth.
b) Suction the mouth first, then the nose.
c) Suction both the nose and mouth simultaneously.
d) No suctioning is required for a newborn.

The correct procedure for suctioning an infant after delivery is to suction the mouth first and then the nose, aiding in the infant's first breaths and preventing mucus inhalation.

Explanation:

The correct procedure for clearing an infant's airway after delivery involves suctioning the mouth before the nose. When the nurse is suctioning an infant after delivery, the mouth should be suctioned first to prevent the possible inhalation of mucus into the lungs, which can occur if the nose is suctioned first and the infant gasps. After the mouth has been cleared, suctioning the nose is the next step. The process facilitates the newborn's first breaths, which are critical in circulatory adjustments as they help inflate the lungs, clear out amniotic fluid, and allow for the commencement of independent respiration.