A nurse is checking the reflexes of a newborn. Which of the following actions should the nurse use to elicit the Babinski reflex?
Touch the corner of the newborn's mouth.
Place the newborn supine and apply pressure to the soles of the feet.
Stroke upward on the lateral aspect of the sole of the newborn's foot
Pull the newborn up by the wrist from a supine position.
The Correct Answer is C
(a) Touch the corner of the newborn's mouth:
Touching the corner of the newborn's mouth elicits the rooting reflex, not the Babinski reflex. The rooting reflex causes the newborn to turn their head toward the touch and open their mouth, which helps with feeding.
(b) Place the newborn supine and apply pressure to the soles of the feet:
Applying pressure to the soles of the feet is not a method used to elicit the Babinski reflex. This action might influence other reflexes but not the Babinski.
(c) Stroke upward on the lateral aspect of the sole of the newborn's foot:
This is correct. The Babinski reflex is elicited by stroking upward on the lateral aspect of the sole of the newborn's foot. A positive response is the fanning and extension of the toes, which is normal in newborns.
(d) Pull the newborn up by the wrist from a supine position:
Pulling the newborn up by the wrists from a supine position is used to assess the traction response or pull-to-sit maneuver, which tests the newborn's head control and muscle tone, not the Babinski reflex.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
(A) "A Papanicolaou test will be performed to detect the presence of herpes simplex type 1."
The Papanicolaou (Pap) test is not performed during pregnancy to detect herpes simplex type 1. The Pap test is a cervical cancer screening test that detects abnormal cervical cells, usually caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection or other factors. It is not used to detect herpes simplex type 1.
(B) "A group B streptococcus screening will be performed to determine the presence of STs."
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) screening is performed during pregnancy to detect the presence of GBS bacteria in the mother's genital and rectal areas. GBS is a common bacteria that can cause serious infections in newborns if passed from the mother during childbirth. GBS screening is not related to sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
(C) "A multiple marker screening will be performed to identify neural tube defects."
Multiple marker screening, also known as maternal serum screening or quad screen, is a routine prenatal test performed between 15 and 20 weeks of gestation. It helps identify the risk of certain chromosomal abnormalities, including neural tube defects like spina bifida and anencephaly. This screening measures the levels of certain proteins in the mother's blood to assess the risk of these birth defects.
(D) "A glucose tolerance test will be performed to predict hyperglycemia in your baby."
A glucose tolerance test (GTT) is performed during pregnancy to diagnose gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), a condition characterized by high blood sugar levels during pregnancy. The purpose of the GTT is to identify maternal hyperglycemia, which can lead to complications for both the mother and the baby. The test is not performed to predict hyperglycemia specifically in the baby.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
(a) Avoid swaddling the newborn:
Swaddling is actually beneficial for newborns experiencing neonatal abstinence syndrome. It helps provide comfort and security, reducing irritability and promoting better sleep.
(b) Minimize holding the newborn:
Minimizing holding is not recommended. Holding and gentle handling are important as they provide comfort and can help soothe the newborn. Skin-to-skin contact and gentle rocking are beneficial practices for these infants.
(c) Decrease environmental noise:
Decreasing environmental noise is a key intervention for newborns with neonatal abstinence syndrome. These newborns are often hypersensitive to stimuli, and reducing noise helps create a calming environment that can reduce stress and overstimulation.
(d) Avoid using a pacifier:
Using a pacifier can be helpful for soothing a newborn experiencing neonatal abstinence syndrome. Sucking on a pacifier can provide comfort and help with self-regulation, reducing irritability and distress.
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