NREMT Paramedic Practice

Which of the following indicates the presence of meconium?

1. Clear amniotic fluid

2. Thin, light yellow fluid

3. Slight yellow, mild green, "pea soup" appearance

4. Thick, dark brown fluid

The correct answer is: Slight yellow, mild green, "pea soup" appearance

The presence of meconium is indicated by a slight yellow, mild green, "pea soup" appearance. Meconium is the first stool of a newborn, consisting of cellular debris, amniotic fluid, and bile pigments, and can often be found in the amniotic fluid when the fetus experiences stress, particularly during delivery. The description of the fluid as "pea soup" color reflects the consistency and pigmentation associated with meconium-stained amniotic fluid. This specific coloration can be an important sign for healthcare providers, as it may suggest that the infant could be at risk for meconium aspiration syndrome, where the newborn inhales a mixture of meconium and amniotic fluid into the lungs around the time of birth. In contrast to the other options, clear amniotic fluid would indicate that there is no meconium present, and thin, light yellow fluid typically does not suggest meconium. Thick, dark brown fluid could also indicate meconium but does not align with the commonly recognized "pea soup" consistency associated with meconium-stained amniotic fluid, which is more notably characterized by its slight yellow-green hue.