What should you do when the head of a newborn infant has just delivered?

Prepare for the North Carolina EMS Test with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question offers hints and explanations to enhance your learning. Get exam-ready with confidence!

When the head of a newborn infant has just delivered, it is important to ensure the airway is clear to allow for effective breathing. Suctioning the baby's mouth and nostrils with a bulb syringe is a critical first step, as newborns often have fluid in their airways that can obstruct breathing. By removing these fluids, you help minimize the risk of aspiration and establish a more favorable environment for the infant to take their first breaths.

This step is particularly vital because newborns are unable to clear their own airways effectively. Keeping the airway clear is essential for their survival and immediate health. After suctioning, monitoring the infant's response and breathing is necessary, but the initial act of suctioning ensures the best possible start for the newborn.

Other options may involve techniques related to shoulder positioning or ventilation, but these are not the immediate priorities right after the head is delivered. Instead, ensuring the newborn's airway is patent should be the primary focus at this stage.

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