The daughter of an older adult asks the nurse why her father seems to have so many respiratory infections despite receiving the annual influenza vaccine. Select the nurse's best response.

Choice A reason: "You need to bring your child to the emergency department immediately and have the stool tested for blood." is not an appropriate response by the nurse. Black stools can be a sign of gastrointestinal bleeding, which is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. However, in this case, the black stools are most likely caused by the iron supplement, which can change the color and consistency of the stool. Therefore, there is no need to panic or rush to the emergency department.

Choice B reason: "Greenish black stools are normal when oral iron supplements are being administered." is the most appropriate response by the nurse. It is a factual and reassuring statement that explains the reason for the stool color change and educates the mother about the expected side effect of the iron supplement. It also encourages the mother to continue the treatment for the child's anemia.

Choice C reason: "You should stop administering the daily iron supplement." is not an appropriate response by the nurse. It is a harmful and incorrect advice that contradicts the prescribed treatment for the child's anemia. Stopping the iron supplement can worsen the child's condition and lead to complications such as growth retardation, cognitive impairment, or heart failure.

Choice D reason: "Don't worry about it." is not an appropriate response by the nurse. It is a dismissive and vague statement that does not address the mother's concern or provide any information or education. It can also undermine the mother's trust and confidence in the nurse and the health care system.

Choice A reason: This is incorrect. The foot remaining in the same position prior to stroking the sole of the foot is a normal response in adults. It indicates that the spinal cord and the brain are intact and functioning properly.

Choice B reason: This is correct. Great toe bending upward, and smaller toes fanning outward is an abnormal response in adults. It indicates a positive Babinski reflex, which is a sign of damage to the cerebral cortex or the pyramidal tract. The cerebral cortex is the outer layer of the brain that controls higher functions such as thinking, reasoning, and movement. The pyramidal tract is a bundle of nerve fibers that connects the cerebral cortex to the spinal cord and controls voluntary movements.

Choice C reason: This is incorrect. Great toe bending downward is also a normal response in adults. It indicates that the spinal cord and the brain are intact and functioning properly.

Choice D reason: This is incorrect. The opposite foot assuming the same position as the foot being stroked is not related to the Babinski reflex. It is a phenomenon called mirror movement, which may occur in some people due to genetic or developmental factors. It does not indicate any abnormality in the cerebral cortex.