When the newborn's crib was moved suddenly, the nurse noticed that his legs flexed and the arms fanned out, and then both came back toward the midline. The nurse would interpret this behavior as:
The Moro reflex was elicited.
This is abnormal for a full-term infant.
There may be an abnormality in the musculoskeletal system.
The full-term infant should not react to sudden movement.
The Correct Answer is A
The Moro reflex was elicited. This is because the Moro reflex is a normal newborn reflex that occurs when the baby is startled by a loud noise or a sudden movement. The baby responds by extending the arms and legs, opening the hands, and then bringing the arms and legs back to the chest.
The Moro reflex is present at birth and disappears by 3 to 6 months of age.
Choice B is wrong because this is not abnormal for a full-term infant. The Moro reflex is a sign of a healthy nervous system and brain development.
Choice C is wrong because there is no evidence of an abnormality in the musculoskeletal system. The Moro reflex does not indicate any problems with the bones or muscles of the baby.
Choice D is wrong because the full-term infant should react to sudden movement. The Moro reflex is a protective response that helps the baby cling to the mother in case of danger.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Fever. This is because fever is a sign of infection, which is a common and potentially serious postpartum complication. Infection can affect various parts of the body, such as the uterus (endometritis), the bladder (cystitis), the breast (mastitis), the wound (wound infection), or the blood (sepsis). Infection can cause symptoms such as fever, chills, pain, foul-smelling discharge, redness, swelling, or warmth at the site of infection.
Choice A is not correct because the change in lochia from red to white is not a sign of postpartum complication. Lochia is the vaginal discharge that occurs after childbirth. It changes color and amount over time, from red to pink to brown to yellow to white. This is a normal process of healing and does not indicate a problem unless the lochia is foul-smelling, heavy, or contains large clots³.
Choice B is not correct because fatigue and irritability are not signs of postpartum complications. Fatigue and irritability are common feelings after childbirth due to hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, physical recovery, and emotional adjustment. They do not necessarily indicate a problem unless they are severe or persistent and interfere with daily functioning or bonding with the baby.
Choice D is not correct because contractions are not signs of postpartum complication. Contractions are normal after childbirth and help the uterus shrink back to its pre-pregnancy size. They are usually mild and subside within a few days. They may be more intense during breastfeeding due to the release of oxytocin, which stimulates uterine contractions.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Jaundice in an infant who is 4-hr old. This is because jaundice is a yellow discoloration of the skin and eyes caused by high levels of bilirubin in the blood. Jaundice usually appears between the second and fourth day after birth and lasts for one to two weeks. Jaundice that appears within the first 24 hours of life is considered early-onset jaundice and may indicate a serious problem, such as an infection, a blood type mismatch, or a liver disorder. The nurse should notify the charge nurse of this finding and request a blood test to check the bilirubin level.
Choice A is wrong because a hematocrit of 60% in an infant who is 8-hr old is not abnormal. Hematocrit is the percentage of red blood cells in the blood. Newborns normally have higher hematocrit levels than older children and adults because they have more red blood cells at birth.
Choice C is wrong because a blood glucose fingerstick of 40 mg/dL for an infant who is 1-hr old is not abnormal.
Blood glucose is the amount of sugar in the blood. Newborns normally have lower blood glucose levels than older children and adults because they have less glycogen (stored sugar) at birth.
Choice D is wrong because acrocyanosis in an infant who is 2-hr old is not abnormal. Acrocyanosis is a bluish discoloration of the hands and feet caused by poor circulation. Newborns normally have acrocyanosis for the first few days of life because they are adjusting to the temperature outside the womb.
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