The nurse is performing a newborn physical assessment and is about to elicit the Moro reflex. Which of the following responses should the nurse expect to see?
Select one:
The cheek of the newborn is touched, and the newborn turns toward the side that was touched.
The newborn is suddenly lowered or startled, and they extend their arms, legs and neck, then rapidly bring their arms together.
The newborn is supine and their head is turned to one side, then the arm on that same side extends.
The lateral aspect of the sole of the newborn's foot is stroked, and the toes extend and fan outward.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A Reason: The cheek of the newborn is touched, and the newborn turns toward the side that was touched. This is an incorrect answer that describes a different reflex called the rooting reflex. The rooting reflex is a feeding reflex that helps the newborn locate the nipple and initiate sucking. The rooting reflex is elicited by stroking the cheek or corner of the mouth of the newborn, which causes them to turn their head and open their mouth toward the stimulus.
Choice B Reason: The newborn is suddenly lowered or startled, and they extend their arms, legs and neck, then rapidly bring their arms together. This is because this response describes the Moro reflex, which is a primitive reflex that is present at birth and disappears by 3 to 6 months of age. The Moro reflex is elicited by simulating a falling sensation or a loud noise, which triggers a fear response in the newborn. The Moro reflex consists of four phases: extension, abduction, adduction, and crying.
Choice C Reason: The newborn is supine and their head is turned to one side, then the arm on that same side extends. This is an incorrect answer that refers to another reflex called the tonic neck reflex. The tonic neck reflex is a postural reflex that helps prepare the newborn for voluntary reaching. The tonic neck reflex is elicited by placing the newborn in a supine position and turning their head to one side, which causes them to assume a "fencing" posture with one arm extended and one arm flexed.
Choice D Reason: The lateral aspect of the sole of the newborn's foot is stroked, and the toes extend and fan outward. This is an incorrect answer that indicates a different reflex called the Babinski reflex. The Babinski reflex is a neurological reflex that tests for spinal cord integrity. The Babinski reflex is elicited by stroking the lateral aspect of the sole of the foot from heel to toe, which causes the big toe to dorsiflex and the other toes to fan out.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Rule out a suspected hydatidiform mole. This is an incorrect answer that describes an unlikely condition for this client. A hydatidiform mole is a type of gestational trophoblastic disease where abnormal placental tissue develops instead of a normal fetus. A hydatidiform mole can cause vaginal bleeding, hyperemesis gravidarum (severe nausea and vomiting), preeclampsia, and hyperthyroidism. A hydatidiform mole usually causes a fundal height measurement that is larger than expected for gestational age, not smaller.
Choice B Reason: Assess for congenital anomalies. This is an incorrect answer that implies that the client has not had a previous ultrasound to screen for fetal anomalies. Congenital anomalies are structural or functional defects that are present at birth, such as cleft lip, spina bifida, or Down syndrome. Ultrasound can detect some congenital anomalies by visualizing the fetal anatomy and morphology. However, ultrasound screening for fetal anomalies is usually done between 18 and 22 weeks of gestation, not at 32 weeks.
Choice C Reason: Determine fetal presentation. This is an incorrect answer that suggests that the client has an uncertain fetal presentation. Fetal presentation is the part of the fetus that is closest to the cervix, such as vertex (head), breech (butocks or feet), or transverse (shoulder). Fetal presentation can affect the mode and outcome of delivery. Ultrasound can determine fetal presentation by locating the fetal head and spine. However, fetal presentation can also be assessed by abdominal palpation or vaginal examination, which are simpler and less invasive methods.
Choice D Reason: Monitor fetal growth. This is because fundal height measurement is a method of estimating fetal size and gestational age by measuring the distance from the pubic symphysis to the top of the uterus (fundus) in centimeters. A fundal height measurement that is significantly smaller or larger than expected for gestational age may indicate intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) or macrosomia, respectively. IUGR means that the fetal growth is slower than expected for gestational age, which can increase the risk of fetal distress, hypoxia, acidosis, and stillbirth. Macrosomia means that the fetal weight is higher than expected for gestational age, which can increase the risk of birth injuries, shoulder dystocia, cesarean delivery, and hypoglycemia. Ultrasound is a more accurate way of assessing fetal size and growth by measuring various parameters such as biparietal diameter (BPD), head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC), and femur length (FL). Ultrasound can also detect other factors that may affect fetal growth such as placental function, amniotic fluid volume, umbilical cord blood flow, and fetal anomalies.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason: "Our baby's newborn rash is from this syndrome." This is because this statement by a parent indicates that additional teaching is required, as it shows a misunderstanding or confusion about FAS and its manifestations. FAS is a condition that occurs when a woman consumes alcohol during pregnancy, which can affect the development and function of various organs and systems in the fetus and child. FAS can cause physical, behavioral, and cognitive problems such as facial abnormalities, growth retardation, learning difficulties, and atention deficits. FAS does not cause newborn rash, which is a common and benign condition that affects many newborns regardless of maternal alcohol intake. Newborn rash is also known as erythema toxicum neonatorum or baby acne, which is characterized by small red bumps or pustules on the face, chest, or back that usually disappear within a few weeks.
Choice B Reason: "His face looks like it does due to this problem." This is a correct answer that indicates adequate understanding of FAS and its features. Facial abnormalities are one of the characteristic signs of FAS, which include small eye openings, thin upper lip, flat nasal bridge, and smooth philtrum (the groove between the nose and upper lip).
Choice C Reason: "He can show signs of withdrawal from alcohol exposure like jiteriness, sweating, hyper reflexes, poor feeding and not sleeping well." This is a correct answer that indicates adequate understanding of FAS and its complications. Signs of withdrawal are possible effects of FAS, which occur when the fetus or newborn is exposed to alcohol in utero or through breast milk, which can cause neurotoxicity and dependency. Signs of withdrawal can include jiteriness, sweating, hyper reflexes, poor feeding, and not sleeping well, as well as irritability, seizures, or tremors.
Choice D Reason: "He is at risk of having intellectual disabilities, so we will need to get extra services to support him." This is a correct answer that indicates adequate understanding of FAS and its implications. Intellectual disabilities are potential outcomes of FAS, which affect the cognitive development and function of the child. Intellectual disabilities can cause problems with memory, Reasoning, language, and social skills. Extra services and support may be needed to help the child achieve their optimal potential and quality of life.
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