When is "suctioning" indicated during neonatal resuscitation?

Suctioning during neonatal resuscitation is indicated when the newborn is not breathing and has visible secretions obstructing the airway. In this scenario, the priority is to clear the airway to facilitate effective ventilation. Visible secretions can prevent air from reaching the lungs, leading to further respiratory distress. Suctioning the mouth and/or nose removes these obstructions, allowing for improved respiratory function and increasing the likelihood of successful resuscitation.

The other scenarios mentioned do not warrant suctioning. For instance, administering medications is not contingent on performing suctioning first; it comes after airway management is addressed. A heart rate drop below 60 beats per minute indicates a need for immediate resuscitation measures, such as positive pressure ventilation, rather than suctioning. Jaundice is related to bilirubin levels and is a separate clinical concern that does not require suctioning during resuscitation efforts. Thus, the specific need for suctioning arises solely from the presence of respiratory secretions in a non-breathing newborn.