A nurse is checking a newborn’s Moro reflex.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take to elicit this reflex?
Place the newborn on their abdomen and observe the movement of their extremities.
Stroke the newborn’s cheek toward their mouth.
Stroke upward on the lateral aspect of the newborn’s foot.
Place the newborn on a flat surface and clap hands loudly.
The Correct Answer is D
Place the newborn on a flat surface and clap hands loudly.

This action will elicit the Moro reflex, also known as the startle reflex, which is a normal, involuntary reaction that newborns and infants have when they’re startled. In response to the sound, the baby will throw back his or her head, extend out his or her arms and legs, cry, then pull the arms and legs back in.
Choice A is wrong because placing the newborn on their abdomen and observing the movement of their extremities will not trigger the Moro reflex.
This position may elicit other reflexes such as the crawling reflex or the tonic neck reflex.
Choice B is wrong because stroking the newborn’s cheek toward their mouth will not trigger the Moro reflex. This action will elicit the rooting reflex, which helps the baby find the breast or bottle to start feeding.
Choice C is wrong because stroking upward on the lateral aspect of the newborn’s foot will not trigger the Moro reflex. This action will elicit the Babinski reflex, which causes the big toe to extend upward and the other toes to fan out.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
It occurs because nicotine stimulates the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood and pleasure. When nicotine intake is stopped, dopamine levels drop and cause anxiety and irritability.
Choice A is wrong because tachycardia, or rapid heart rate, is not a symptom of nicotine withdrawal. In fact, smoking can increase blood pressure and heart rate, so quitting smoking may lower them.
Choice C is wrong because weight loss is not a symptom of nicotine withdrawal. On the contrary, weight gain is more likely to occur after quitting smoking, because nicotine suppresses appetite and increases metabolism.
Choice D is wrong because vomiting is not a symptom of nicotine withdrawal. Vomiting may be a side effect of some nicotine replacement therapies, such as patches or gum, but it is not caused by the lack of nicotine itself.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
This can be a sign of preeclampsia, a serious complication of pregnancy that causes high blood pressure and proteinuria.

The nurse should report this finding to the provider and monitor the client’s blood pressure, urine protein, and reflexes.
Choice A is wrong because leg cramps are a common discomfort during pregnancy and are not usually a sign of a complication.
Choice B is wrong because ptyalism, or excessive salivation, is a normal physiological change during pregnancy and does not indicate a problem.
Choice D is wrong because melasma, or darkening of the skin on the face, is also a normal physiological change during pregnancy and does not pose a risk to the mother or the fetus.
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