A nurse manager in a newborn nursery is reviewing infection control procedures with a group of newly hired nurses. Which of the following instructions should the nurse manager include in the teaching?

Choice A rationale:

The Moro reflex, also known as the startle reflex, is elicited by making a loud noise above the newborn, causing them to extend their arms and legs and then bringing them back to the body in a hugging motion. This reflex is a normal developmental response in term newborns.

Choice B rationale:
Touching the newborn's cheek with a finger elicits the rooting reflex, where the newborn turns their head toward the stimulus, searching for a nipple or object to suck. It is a different reflex and not the Moro reflex.

Choice C rationale:
Tapping the newborn's forehead with a finger does not elicit any specific reflex. This action is not related to the Moro reflex.

Choice D rationale:
Turning the newborn's head to one side elicits the asymmetric tonic neck reflex (ATNR), not the Moro reflex. In ATNR, when the head is turned to one side, the arm on that side extends while the opposite arm flexes.

Choice A rationale:

The nurse should not measure the abdominal circumference at the level of the newborn's umbilicus every 12 hr because this action does not address the specific problem presented in the scenario, which is abdominal distention and bloody stools. Measuring abdominal circumference is typically done to assess for growth and may not provide valuable information in this situation.

Choice B rationale:

Inserting an orogastric decompression tube with low wall suction is the appropriate action for a newborn with abdominal distension and bloody stools. This intervention can help decompress the gastrointestinal tract, reducing abdominal distention, and possibly preventing further complications.

Choice C rationale:

Providing the newborn with an iron-rich formula containing vitamin B12 every 2 hr is not indicated based on the information provided in the scenario. The newborn's symptoms are suggestive of gastrointestinal issues, and this intervention may not address the underlying cause.

Choice D rationale:

Administering nitric oxide inhalation therapy to the newborn is not appropriate in this context. Nitric oxide inhalation therapy is typically used for conditions like persistent pulmonary hypertension in the newborn, and there is no indication for its use in this case.