A nurse is assisting to collect 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.)
Heel to ear
Popliteal angle
Moro reflex
Scarf sign
Arm recoil
Correct Answer : A,B,D,E
Choice A reason:
Heel to ear is a test that measures the flexibility of the newborn's hip and knee joints. The nurse should gently flex the newborn's hip and knee and bring the foot toward the ear on the same side. The closer the foot is to the ear, the higher the score. This test is part of the neuromuscular assessment for gestational age.
Choice B reason:
Popliteal angle is a test that measures the angle of flexion at the knee joint. The nurse should flex the newborn's hip and knee at 90 degrees and then extend the lower leg until resistance is felt. The smaller the angle, the higher the score. This test is also part of the neuromuscular assessment for gestational age.
Choice C reason:
Moro reflex is a test that evaluates the newborn's startle response. The nurse should hold the newborn in a semi-sitting position and then allow the head to fall back slightly. The newborn should extend and abduct the arms and legs, then flex and adduct them. This test is not part of the neuromuscular assessment for gestational age, but rather a reflex assessment for neurological function. •
Choice D reason:
Scarf sign is a test that measures the flexibility of the newborn's shoulder and elbow joints. The nurse should draw one of the newborn's arms across the chest toward the opposite shoulder. The farther the elbow can be moved across the body, the lower the score. This test is part of the neuromuscular assessment for gestational age.
Choice E reason:
Arm recoil is a test that measures the degree of flexion at the elbow joint. The nurse should extend both of the newborn's arms for 5 seconds and then release them. The arms should return to a flexed position quickly and fully. The faster and more complete the recoil, the higher the score. This test is part of the neuromuscular assessment for gestational age.
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Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Intermittent abdominal pain following passage of bloody mucus is not a sign of placenta previa, but rather of bloody show, which is a normal occurrence in late pregnancy as the cervix begins to dilate and efface.
Choice B reason:
Abdominal pain with minimal red vaginal bleeding is not a sign of placenta previa, but rather of abruptio placentae, which is a serious complication where the placenta detaches from the uterine wall before delivery.
Choice C reason:
A large amount of bright red vaginal bleeding without pain is a sign of placenta previa, which is a condition where the placenta covers part or all of the cervical opening. This can cause bleeding when the cervix dilates or contracts, especially in the third trimester. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention.
Choice D reason:
Severe abdominal pain with increasing fundal height is not a sign of placenta previa, but rather of uterine rupture, which is a rare but life-threatening complication where the uterus tears open along the scar line from a previous cesarean delivery or other uterine surgery. This can cause severe bleeding, fetal distress, and shock.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:

Smoking is the most significant risk factor for clubfoot, according to several studies that have found a strong association between maternal smoking during pregnancy and the occurrence of clubfoot in the offspring. Smoking may affect the development of the muscles and tendons in the fetus, leading to abnormal positioning of the foot.
Choice B reason:
Trauma during pregnancy is not a significant risk factor for clubfoot, as there is no evidence that physical injury to the mother or the fetus can cause this deformity. Clubfoot is a congenital condition that is present at birth and usually detected by prenatal ultrasound.
Choice C reason:
Hypertension is not a significant risk factor for clubfoot, as there is no evidence that high blood pressure in the mother or the fetus can cause this deformity. Clubfoot is a congenital condition that is present at birth and usually detected by prenatal ultrasound.
Choice D reason:
Decreased circulation is not a significant risk factor for clubfoot, as there is no evidence that poor blood flow to the mother or the fetus can cause this deformity. Clubfoot is a congenital condition that is present at birth and usually detected by prenatal ultrasound.
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