The answer to this question influences the choice and size of equipment for resuscitation, where the infant will go upon leaving the delivery room, and whether or not the presence of a higher level of expertise is advisable. This is a very broad question designed to rapidly obtain pertinent information. If a narcotic was administered recently, one might wish to have naloxone nearby. This helps to alert one to the special problems associated with prolonged rupture of membranes and aspiration of meconium. Conversely, there are certain questions which probably should not be asked because they inappropriately divert the obstetrician's attention from other more important areas, they are likely to be unnecessarily disturbing to the parents, or most importantly, the answers will not likely make any difference to the treatment rendered in the delivery room.
Some examples follow.
Questions Not to Ask 1. If the last baby had a serious problem, the mere asking of this question will frequently result in parental tears. It is too late to change the course of this pregnancy. This information may be important to obtain, but usually can be learned from the chart or somewhat later from the mother or father. If there was an amniocentesis, the results may be obtained from the chart.