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.

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A Reason: Central cyanosis and poor tone. These are signs of hypoxia and asphyxia in newborns, which indicate a need for resuscitation. Central cyanosis means bluish discoloration of the skin or mucous membranes around the mouth, nose, or eyes. Poor tone means limpness or lack of muscle activity.

Choice B Reason: Heart rate of 160 beats per minute and spitting up mucus. These are not signs of hypoxia or asphyxia in newborns, but rather normal findings or minor issues. A normal heart rate for a newborn ranges from 120 to 160 beats per minute. Spitting up mucus may be due to excess secretions or swallowing amniotic ﬂuid, which can be cleared by suctioning or burping.

Choice C Reason: Crying with respirations of greater than 60 breaths per minute. These are not signs of hypoxia or asphyxia in newborns, but rather normal or expected findings. Crying indicates that the newborn has a patent airway and adequate lung expansion. Respirations of greater than 60 breaths per minute may be normal for a newborn in transition or due to transient tachypnea, which usually resolves within a few hours.

Choice D Reason: Blue hands and feet but lips that are slowly pinking up. These are not signs of hypoxia or asphyxia in newborns, but rather a common condition called acrocyanosis. Acrocyanosis means bluish discoloration of the hands and feet due to poor peripheral circulation in response to cold exposure or stress. It does not aﬀect oxygenation or ventilation and usually disappears within 24 to 48 hours after birth.

A. Hyperglycemia and increased appetite. B. Increased urinary output and spitting up mucous. C. Wakefulness and ruddy appearance. D. Temperature instability and lethargy.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A Reason: Hyperglycemia and increased appetite. This is an incorrect answer that describes symptoms of diabetes mellitus, not sepsis. Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder where the body cannot produce or use insulin eﬀectively, which results in high blood glucose levels and impaired glucose tolerance. Diabetes mellitus can aﬀect newborns if the mother has pre-existing or gestational diabetes, which can cause macrosomia, hypoglycemia, or congenital anomalies.

Choice B Reason: Increased urinary output and spitting up mucous. This is an incorrect answer that indicates normal or benign conditions, not sepsis. Increased urinary output is a normal finding in newborns, as they eliminate the excess ﬂuid that was accumulated during pregnancy. Spitting up mucous is a common occurrence in newborns, as they clear their airways of amniotic ﬂuid or secretions.

Choice C Reason: Wakefulness and ruddy appearance. This is an incorrect answer that suggests healthy or normal characteristics, not sepsis. Wakefulness is a sign of alertness and responsiveness in newborns, which reﬂects their neurological development and adaptation. Ruddy appearance is a reddish color of the skin that is normal in newborns, especially in term or post-term infants, which indicates adequate oxygenation and hemoglobin levels.

Choice D Reason: Temperature instability and lethargy. This is because temperature instability and lethargy are common signs of sepsis in newborns, which indicate systemic infection and inﬂammation. Sepsis is a life-threatening condition where the body's response to infection causes tissue damage, organ failure, or death. Sepsis can occur in newborns due to maternal, fetal, or neonatal factors, such as chorioamnionitis, premature rupture of membranes, prolonged labor, invasive procedures, or bacterial colonization.

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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:

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Which of the following would the nurse expect to find in a newborn who is developing sepsis? Select one:

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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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: