A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who is at 24 weeks of gestation and has opioid use disorder. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

(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.

(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.