A nurse is reinforcing teaching with the parents of a newborn about caring for the umbilical cord stump. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

Choice A rationale:

The Moro reflex, also known as the startle reflex, is a normal reflex observed in newborns. To elicit this reflex, the nurse should perform a sharp hand clap or make a loud noise near the infant. This reflex is characterized by the baby's arms and legs extending outward, followed by a quick flexion, resembling a startle response. It is an important reflex to assess the newborn's neurological and motor development.

Choice B rationale:

Turning the newborn's head quickly to one side does not elicit the Moro reflex. This action may stimulate other reflexes, such as the tonic neck reflex, but it is not the appropriate method to assess the Moro reflex.

Choice C rationale:

Placing a finger at the base of the newborn's toes does not elicit the Moro reflex. This action is more related to testing the Babinski reflex, which involves the fanning and curling of the toes when the sole of the foot is stimulated.

Choice D rationale:

Holding the newborn vertically and allowing one foot to touch the crib surface does not elicit the Moro reflex. This action might elicit the stepping reflex, where the baby shows stepping movements as if walking when held in an upright position with their feet touching a surface.

Choice A rationale:

Newborns do not show interest in eating while crying. Crying is usually an indication of distress or hunger and not a state where they are interested in eating.

Choice B rationale:

Newborns are most interested in eating when they are in an "alert”. state. During this state, the baby is awake, calm, and attentive, making it an ideal time for feeding.

Choice C rationale:

In the "drowsy”. state, newborns may be sleepy and less interested in eating. They might feed less effectively in this state.

Choice D rationale:

"Active alert”. is a state where the newborn is awake, attentive, and active. While they may be interested in their surroundings, they may also be easily distracted during feeding.