A nurse is assisting in collecting data for a gestational age assessment on a newborn. Which of the following should the nurse check during a neuromuscular assessment? (Select all that apply.)
Scarf sign
Arm recoil
Moro reflex
Heel to ear
Popliteal angle
Correct Answer : A,B,C
Choice A rationale: The Scarf sign assesses the range of motion of the newborn's shoulder and elbow joint. It measures the ability of the newborn's arm to be brought across the chest.
Choice B rationale: Arm recoil measures the degree of resistance and recoil of the newborn's arm when it is extended and then flexed against the chest. This reflex provides information about the newborn's muscle tone and neuromuscular maturity.
Choice C rationale: The Moro reflex, also known as the startle reflex, is elicited by a sudden change in the newborn's position or by a loud noise. It involves an initial extension and abduction of the arms, followed by a flexion and adduction. This reflex helps assess the newborn's neurologic and neuromuscular maturity.
Choice D rationale: "Heel to ear" is not a standard neuromuscular assessment used in the gestational age assessment. It may be an incorrect or unclear term.
Choice E rationale: The popliteal angle is not a neuromuscular assessment used in the gestational age assessment. It measures the angle of flexion in the knee joint and is not directly related to neuromuscular maturity
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale: Applying ice to the perineal area is not indicated in the case of suspected placenta previa. Placenta previa is related to the location of the placenta in the uterus and is not affected by the perineal area. Ice is commonly used for perineal discomfort after vaginal delivery but is not appropriate for placenta previa.
Choice B rationale: When a client is suspected to have placenta previa, a vaginal exam should be avoided because it can cause trauma to the placenta, leading to significant bleeding. Placenta previa is a condition where the placenta covers part or all of the cervix, and any disruption of the placenta can result in bleeding, which poses a risk to both the mother and the baby. Therefore, a vaginal exam is contraindicated in this situation.
Choice C rationale: Performing a rectal exam is also not appropriate for a client with suspected placenta previa. Rectal exams do not provide any relevant information about the placenta's location, and they can potentially cause discomfort or bleeding in this situation.
Choice D rationale: Applying an external fetal monitor is an appropriate action when caring for a pregnant client, regardless of whether there is a suspected placenta previa. The external fetal monitor is used to assess the baby's heart rate and uterine contractions and is a routine part of prenatal care. However, it does not specifically address the issue of placenta previa. The nurse should be vigilant for any signs of bleeding or changes in fetal heart rate pattern, which may indicate placental issues, and report them promptly for further evaluation and management.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
A protruding abdomen is not specifically associated with being small for gestational age and can have various other causes in newborns.
Choice B rationale:
A gray umbilical cord is not a typical finding associated with being small for gestational age. Choice C rationale:
Moist skin is not a specific finding associated with being small for gestational age and can be observed in all newborns.
Choice D rationale:
Wide skull sutures are associated with being small for gestational age, as the skull bones may not fully close due to restricted growth in the womb.
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