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 A
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Two arteries, one vein. This is because two arteries and one vein are the normal components of the umbilical cord, which is a structure that connects the fetus to the placenta and provides blood circulation between them. The umbilical cord carries oxygenated blood from the placenta to the fetus through the umbilical vein, and deoxygenated blood from the fetus to the placenta through the umbilical arteries.
Choice B Reason: Two veins, one artery. This is an incorrect answer that indicates an abnormal anatomy of the umbilical cord, which is known as single umbilical artery (SUA). SUA is a condition where there is only one umbilical artery instead of two, which can reduce blood flow and oxygen delivery to the fetus. SUA can be associated with congenital anomalies or growth restriction in some cases.
Choice C Reason: Two veins, two arteries. This is an incorrect answer that indicates an abnormal anatomy of the umbilical cord, which is known as double umbilical vein (DUV). DUV is a condition where there are two umbilical veins instead of one, which can increase blood flow and oxygen delivery to the fetus. DUV can be associated with fetal overgrowth or polycythemia in some cases.
Choice D Reason: One artery, one vein. This is an incorrect answer that indicates an abnormal anatomy of the umbilical cord, which is also known as single umbilical artery (SUA). SUA is a condition where there is only one umbilical artery instead of two, which can reduce blood flow and oxygen delivery to the fetus. SUA can be associated with congenital anomalies or growth restriction in some cases.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Apical pulse of 148 beats per minute. This is not a finding that would support a diagnosis of RDS, but rather a normal finding for a newborn. A normal apical pulse for a newborn ranges from 120 to 160 beats per minute. A high pulse rate may indicate fever, infection, anemia, or dehydration. A low pulse rate may indicate hypothermia, hypoxia, or heart block.
Choice B Reason: Respiratory rate of 40 during sleep. This is not a finding that would support a diagnosis of RDS, but rather a normal finding for a newborn. A normal respiratory rate for a newborn ranges from 40 to 60 breaths per minute. A high respiratory rate may indicate respiratory distress, infection, or metabolic acidosis. A low respiratory rate may indicate respiratory depression, hypothermia, or narcotic exposure.
Choice C Reason: Skin color jaundiced. This is not a finding that would support a diagnosis of RDS, but rather a different condition called jaundice. Jaundice is a yellowish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes caused by elevated levels of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a breakdown product of hemoglobin that is normally excreted by the liver and kidneys. Jaundice can occur in newborns due to immature liver function, increased red blood cell breakdown, or blood group incompatibility. Jaundice does not affect lung function or oxygenation.
Choice D Reason: Chest retractions. This is because chest retractions are a sign of respiratory distress that indicate increased work of breathing and reduced lung compliance. Chest retractions occur when the chest wall sinks in between the ribs or below the sternum during inhalation, creating a negative pressure that helps draw air into the lungs. RDS is a serious condition where the newborn's lungs are immature and lack sufficient surfactant, which is a substance that reduces surface tension and prevents alveolar collapse. RDS can cause respiratory distress, hypoxia, acidosis, and organ failure. It is more common in preterm infants, especially those born before 37 weeks' gestation.
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