When conducting a newborn assessment, the nurse is inspecting the nose for patency. While occluding the left nostril with a finger, the nurse observes flaring of the right nostril. The nurse knows which of the following to be true regarding the newborn's nose?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Infants are obligate nose breathers, meaning they primarily breathe through their noses, especially in the first few months of life. This is why nasal patency is crucial for their breathing.

When Conducting a Newborn Assessment, the Nurse Is Inspecting the Nose