Airway Clearance of the Term Newborn

This descriptive, observational study explored the practice of airway clearance of the term newborn at birth. The American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Heart Association, and the European Resuscitation Council have established guidelines for suctioning the well newborn.

Airway clearance practices of nurses, obstetricians, and respiratory therapists at 10 cesarean births and 10 vaginal births were observed. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and through content analysis of narratives.

All newborns observed experienced at least one airway clearance event and multiple airway clearance passes. Indications for suctioning were not consistent with professional guidelines. Airway clearance procedures and practices were inconsistent. Two suction devices used: the blue bulb syringe and orogastric catheter. If a newborn was suctioned three times, the orogastric catheter was the predominate device used.

There was a lack of adherence to established clinical guidelines for newborn airway clearance. Further study is needed to identify education of airway clearance guidelines. Specific protocols such as safe suctioning methods, correct device use, and observation of complications associated with airway management need to be developed to support a newborn's healthy transition at birth.