A nurse is assisting with a cesarean section and notes that the fetus appears to be in distress. Upon delivery, the baby is limp and pale, with meconium staining the amniotic fluid. What is the most appropriate action of the nurse?
A)Move the baby to a radiant warmer and stimulate it to breathe and cry.
B)Turn the baby prone and slap the soles of its feet.
C)Provide tracheal suctioning to remove meconium from the airway.
D)Wrap the baby up in a blanket and take it to see its mother.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The nurse should provide tracheal suctioning to remove meconium from the airway. This action should be done before stimulating the baby to breathe, as breathing could result in aspiration of meconium into the lungs. The nurse should try to identify the presence of meconium stained fluid before delivery if possible. In some institutions, tracheal suctioning is the physician's responsibility.

A Nurse Is Assisting with a Cesarean Section and Notes