During breech delivery, which technique is described to create an airway for the newborn?

During breech delivery, which technique is described to create an airway for the newborn?

• A. Endotracheal tube insertion
• B. Two gloved fingers placed at each side of the nose to create an airway (correct)
• C. Mouth-to-mouth ventilation
• D. Neonatal mask with bag-valve

Answer: (B)

In this situation, getting air moving quickly is the priority. Placing two gloved fingers at each side of the infant’s nose to gently open the nostrils creates a patent nasal passage right away. This simple, rapid maneuver provides an immediate route for air into the lungs and buys crucial time to suction and assess breathing, especially when the baby is still in breech position and more definitive airway steps may be delayed or more difficult to perform. While other methods like endotracheal intubation, bag-valve-mask ventilation, or mouth-to-mouth ventilation are important, they require more time, equipment, or a proper seal and can be harder to implement promptly in a breech delivery. Opening the nostrils with a quick two-finger technique offers an immediate, minimal-equipment way to support ventilation as you prepare for further care.

In this situation, getting air moving quickly is the priority. Placing two gloved fingers at each side of the infant’s nose to gently open the nostrils creates a patent nasal passage right away. This simple, rapid maneuver provides an immediate route for air into the lungs and buys crucial time to suction and assess breathing, especially when the baby is still in breech position and more definitive airway steps may be delayed or more difficult to perform.

While other methods like endotracheal intubation, bag-valve-mask ventilation, or mouth-to-mouth ventilation are important, they require more time, equipment, or a proper seal and can be harder to implement promptly in a breech delivery. Opening the nostrils with a quick two-finger technique offers an immediate, minimal-equipment way to support ventilation as you prepare for further care.