When assessing a newborn, which is the best method for the nurse to use to elicit the Moro reflex?
Making a loud sound within close range of the newborn.
Firmly stroking the soles of the newborn’s feet with a thumb nail.
Using the newborn’s hands to raise the baby from a supine position without supporting the head.
Holding the newborn in an upright position so that the infant’s feet touch a cool, flat surface.
The Correct Answer is A
The correct answer is choice A. Making a loud sound within close range of the newborn will elicit the Moro reflex, which is an involuntary protective motor response against abrupt disruption of body balance or extremely sudden stimulation. The Moro reflex involves three distinct components: spreading out the arms (abduction), pulling the arms in (adduction), and crying (usually).
Choice B is wrong because firmly stroking the soles of the newborn’s feet with a thumb nail will elicit the Babinski reflex, which is a normal response in infants that involves fanning out and curling of the toes.
Choice C is wrong because using the newborn’s hands to raise the baby from a supine position without supporting the head will elicit the traction response, which is a normal response in infants that involves flexion of the elbows and shoulders.
Choice D is wrong because holding the newborn in an upright position so that the infant’s feet touch a cool, flat surface will elicit the stepping reflex, which is a normal response in infants that involves alternating steps with each foot.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is choice D. Apply petrolatum to the patient’s perineum.This is because petrolatum can help soothe and protect the perineal area, which may be swollen, bruised, or have stitches after a vaginal delivery.Applying petrolatum can also prevent the pad from sticking to the wound and causing more pain.
Choice A is wrong because observing the patient for vaginal discharge of bright red blood is not a specific action for perineal care.Bright red blood may indicate postpartum hemorrhage, which requires immediate medical attention.
Choice B is wrong because assessing the patient’s vaginal tone is not a priority action for perineal care.Vaginal tone may be reduced after childbirth due to stretching of the pelvic floor muscles, but this can improve with time and exercises.
Choice C is wrong because massaging the patient’s perineum is not recommended for perineal care.Massaging the perineum may cause more trauma and discomfort to the area, especially if there are stitches or hemorrhoids.Massaging the fundus (the top of the uterus) may be done to help it contract and prevent bleeding, but this is different from massaging the perineum.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is choice B. Dry off the newborn.This is the priority nursing action because it prevents heat loss and hypothermia in the newborn.
The newborn has a large surface area and a thin layer of subcutaneous fat, making it vulnerable to cold stress.Drying off the newborn also stimulates breathing and crying, which helps clear the airways.
Choice A is wrong because obtaining a serum sample is not a priority action and may cause unnecessary pain and bleeding in the newborn.
Choice C is wrong because assessing the newborn’s Moro reflex is not a priority action and may be done later during the physical examination.Choice D is wrong because obtaining the newborn’s footprints is not a priority action and may be done after the bonding and breastfeeding period.
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