A nurse is assessing the reflexes of a term newborn. After placing the newborn in the supine position, which of the following methods should the nurse use to elicit the Moro reflex?
Make a loud noise above the newborn.
Touch the newborn's cheek with a finger.
Tap the newborn's forehead with a finger.
Turn the newborn's head to one side.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
The Moro reflex, also known as the startle reflex, is elicited by making a loud noise above the newborn, causing them to extend their arms and legs and then bringing them back to the body in a hugging motion. This reflex is a normal developmental response in term newborns.
Choice B rationale:
Touching the newborn's cheek with a finger elicits the rooting reflex, where the newborn turns their head toward the stimulus, searching for a nipple or object to suck. It is a different reflex and not the Moro reflex.
Choice C rationale:
Tapping the newborn's forehead with a finger does not elicit any specific reflex. This action is not related to the Moro reflex.
Choice D rationale:
Turning the newborn's head to one side elicits the asymmetric tonic neck reflex (ATNR), not the Moro reflex. In ATNR, when the head is turned to one side, the arm on that side extends while the opposite arm flexes.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Allowing parents to enter the nursery while wearing masks may be a preventive measure for some situations, but it is not a standard infection control procedure in a newborn nursery.
Choice B rationale:
Airborne precautions are not required for routine infection control in a newborn nursery. They are typically reserved for specific airborne-transmitted infections.
Choice C rationale:
Placing the newborn's foot on a sterile field during a heel stick is a procedure to maintain sterile technique but is not a general infection control instruction for the nursery.
Choice D rationale:
Placing newborn bassinets at least 3 feet apart is a crucial infection control measure in a newborn nursery. It helps prevent cross-contamination and the spread of infections among newborns. Proper spacing allows for better airflow and reduces the risk of contact transmission between infants.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is Choice C.
Choice A rationale: Thiazide diuretics cause potassium and chloride loss, leading to metabolic alkalosis, not respiratory alkalosis. Hypokalemia decreases hydrogen ion excretion, increasing bicarbonate levels. Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by pH >7.45 and HCO₃⁻ >26 mEq/L rather than decreased PaCO₂.
Choice B rationale: Vomiting leads to metabolic alkalosis due to gastric acid loss. Hydrogen ion depletion increases bicarbonate concentration, shifting pH above normal. Arterial blood gases typically show increased HCO₃⁻ (>26 mEq/L) with a compensatory increase in PaCO₂ (>45 mmHg), not respiratory alkalosis.
Choice C rationale: Salicylate intoxication initially induces hyperventilation, reducing PaCO₂ levels below 35 mmHg and increasing pH above 7.45, leading to respiratory alkalosis. As toxicity progresses, metabolic acidosis may develop due to lactic acid accumulation, but early stages primarily present with respiratory alkalosis.
Choice D rationale: Hypoventilation leads to CO₂ retention, increasing PaCO₂ above 45 mmHg, forming carbonic acid (H₂CO₃) and causing respiratory acidosis. Blood gases show pH <7.35 with elevated PaCO₂, not respiratory alkalosis, which is caused by excessive CO₂ elimination through hyperventilation.
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