Immediately after birth, the nurse is unable to suction the nares of a crying newborn. An attempt is made to pass a catheter through both nasal cavities with no success. What should the nurse do next?

A) Attempt to suction again with a bulb syringe.
B) Wait a few minutes, and try again once the infant stops crying.
C) Recognize that this situation requires immediate intervention.
D) Contact the physician to schedule an appointment for the infant at his or her next hospital visit.

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Final Answer : C, Explanation :  Determining the patency of the nares in the immediate newborn period is essential because most newborns are obligate nose breathers. Nares blocked with amniotic fluid are gently suctioned with a bulb syringe. If obstruction is suspected, then a small lumen (5 to 10 Fr) catheter is passed down each naris to confirm patency. The inability to pass a catheter through the nasal cavity indicates choanal atresia, which requires immediate intervention.

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