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?

Choice A rationale:

Amniotic fluid embolism is a rare but serious complication during labor or immediately after delivery, where amniotic fluid, fetal cells, hair, or other debris enter the mother's bloodstream and cause a severe reaction. While it may present with sudden and severe symptoms, such as hypotension and respiratory distress, it does not typically cause uterine rupture.

Choice B rationale:

Uterine rupture is a life-threatening emergency that can occur during labor, especially in women with previous uterine surgeries or trauma. The sudden, severe lower abdominal pain, drop in blood pressure, cool skin, and pallor could indicate internal bleeding and shock, which are consistent with uterine rupture. Prolonged bradycardia on the fetal heart rate tracing suggests fetal distress due to compromised blood flow.

Choice C rationale:

Umbilical cord prolapse is another obstetric emergency that occurs when the umbilical cord slips through the cervix and gets compressed during labor, leading to fetal distress. It may cause variable decelerations in fetal heart rate, but it does not explain the maternal symptoms described in the scenario, such as the sudden, severe lower abdominal pain, hypotension, cool skin, and pallor.

Choice D rationale:

Placenta previa is a condition where the placenta covers part or all of the cervix, and it can lead to painless vaginal bleeding. While it can cause fetal distress, it does not explain the maternal symptoms like the sudden, severe lower abdominal pain, hypotension, cool skin, and pallor. Prolonged bradycardia on the fetal heart rate tracing is more suggestive of uterine rupture.

Choice A rationale:

Determining gestational age in the first trimester is a common and important use of ultrasound. It helps confirm the estimated due date and monitor the fetus's growth and development.

Choice B rationale:

Performing a biophysical profile in the first trimester is not a common use of ultrasound. Biophysical profiles are usually performed in the second or third trimester to assess fetal well-being.

Choice C rationale:

Observing placental maturity in the first trimester is not a standard use of ultrasound. Placental maturity is typically assessed later in pregnancy, especially in the third trimester.

Choice D rationale:

Detecting intrauterine growth restriction in the first trimester is not a primary use of ultrasound. Intrauterine growth restriction is more commonly assessed in the later stages of pregnancy when fetal growth is a concern.