How long should suctioning last when clearing a newborn's airway?

The correct duration for suctioning when clearing a newborn's airway is no longer than 15 seconds. This guideline is essential to prevent potential complications, such as hypoxia and bradycardia, which can occur in newborns due to their fragile respiratory systems. When performing suctioning on neonates, it's crucial to limit the duration to safeguard their oxygenation and avoid significant respiratory distress.

The rationale behind this limit is that newborns have a limited oxygen reserve and may quickly desaturate during suctioning. Suspending suctioning for too long may lead to a drop in oxygen saturation levels, increasing the risk of adverse effects. Effective airway clearance can often be achieved in a shorter timeframe, and any excess time spent suctioning should be avoided to maintain the infant's airway safety and overall stability.