A woman had spinal anesthesia for delivery. Now she complains of a pounding headache rated 7/10. What action by the nurse is most appropriate?

Choice A. Accelerations are normal responses that indicate the fetus is healthy and active. Accelerations occur when the fetal heart rate increases in response to stimuli. •

Choice B. Late decelerations are nonreassuring patterns that indicate fetal hypoxia due to placental insufficiency. Late decelerations occur when the placental blood flow decreases due to uterine contractions during labor, causing the fetal heart rate to decrease. •

Choice C. Variable decelerations are nonreassuring patterns that indicate fetal hypoxia due to umbilical cord compression. Variable decelerations occur when the umbilical cord is trapped by the cervical opening or the fetal body part, twisted, or knotted, causing the fetal oxygen supply to be impaired and the fetal heart rate to drop sharply. •

Choice D. Early decelerations are reassuring patterns that indicate a neural reflex due to fetal head compression. Early decelerations occur when the fetal head is compressed by uterine contractions during labor, causing the parasympathetic nervous system to be stimulated and the heart rate to decrease. The correct answer is C. Variable decelerations are the most common pattern that indicates a problem with the umbilical cord and requires urgent intervention.

Choice A reason:

Babinski's Reflex is the normal response in infants when the sole of the foot is stroked from the heel to the ball of the foot. The big toe moves upward or toward the top surface of the foot, and the other toes fan out. This reflex is normal in children up to 2 years old, and it disappears as the nervous system matures. It may indicate damage to the central nervous system in older children and adults.

Choice B reason:

Stepping Reflex is the normal response in infants when they are held upright with their feet touching a flat surface. They will lift one foot and then the other, as if they are walking. This reflex is present at birth and lasts for about 2 months. It helps prepare the infant for voluntary walking.

Choice C reason:

Moro Reflex is the normal response in infants when they are startled by a loud noise or a sudden movement. They will extend their arms and legs, open their hands, and then curl up and bring their arms together as if they are hugging themselves. This reflex is present at birth and lasts for about 4 to 6 months. It is thought to be a protective response that helps the infant cling to their caregiver.

Choice D reason:

Plantar Grasp Reflex is the normal response in infants when pressure is applied to the sole of the foot near the toes. The toes will curl down and grasp the stimulus. This reflex is present at birth and lasts for about 9 to 12 months. It is similar to the palmar grasp reflex in the hands, and it helps develop the muscles and nerves in the feet. Some additional sentences are:. If you are interested in learning more about infant development, you can check out some of these links:. • [A guide to newborn reflexes]. • [A video demonstration of newborn reflexes].