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:

Intense contractions lasting 45 to 60 seconds are normal during labour and indicate effective uterine activity. This finding does not warrant immediate reassessment.

Choice B rationale:

Progressive sacral discomfort during contractions can be a normal part of labour as the baby descends into the birth canal. It does not necessarily indicate a need for reassessment.

Choice C rationale:

A sense of excitement and warm, flushed skin can be a common emotional and physiological response during labour, particularly as the woman reaches the final stages of delivery. This finding does not necessarily require immediate reassessment.

Choice D rationale:

"An urge to have a bowel movement during contractions”. is the correct answer because it could be an indication that the client is experiencing the urge to push, which means the baby's head is descending and nearing delivery. The nurse should reassess the client promptly to determine if she is fully dilated and ready to push.

The correct answer is choice c. One acceleration of the FHR within a 20-min period.

Here's the rationale for each choice:

Choice A: Rationale: A non-stress test (NST) is supposed to assess fetal well-being by looking for accelerations in the fetal heart rate (FHR) in response to fetal movement. An FHR that peaks 20 beats above the baseline is a desirable finding in an NST, indicating good fetal reactivity.

Choice B: Rationale: While not typical during a standard NST, three uterine contractions within a 20-minute period might not necessarily require immediate intervention. However, the nurse should document it and notify the healthcare provider for further assessment, especially if the contractions are causing discomfort or if there are other concerning signs.

Choice C: Rationale: A single acceleration of the FHR within a 20-minute NST is considered non-reactive and may indicate fetal compromise. This finding requires further investigation by the healthcare provider, potentially including additional monitoring or interventions.

Choice D: Rationale: Uterine contractions lasting 20 to 30 seconds each are not a typical finding during an NST, but they may not necessarily be a cause for immediate concern unless they are causing the client pain or are accompanied by other concerning signs. The nurse should document the contractions and notify the healthcare provider.