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 B
Explanation
Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is the sudden and unexplained death of an infant under one year of age. SIDS is more likely to occur when infants sleep on their stomachs or sides, or when they are propped up with pillows or other soft bedding. These positions can interfere with the infant's breathing and increase the risk of suffocation or overheating .
Choice A is incorrect because gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is a common condition in infants that causes them to spit up frequently after feeding. GER does not increase the risk of SIDS and can be managed by feeding smaller amounts, burping the infant often, and keeping them upright for a while after feeding.
Choice C is incorrect because apnea episodes are brief pauses in breathing that occur normally in infants, especially during sleep. Apnea episodes do not increase the risk of SIDS and usually resolve by six months of age.
Choice D is incorrect because sleeping for short intervals is normal for newborns, who need to feed frequently during the day and night. Sleeping for short intervals does not increase the risk of SIDS and will gradually change as the infant grows older.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
This action helps to prevent cold stress. This is because cold stress is a condition where the newborn's core temperature drops below 36.5°C and they use energy and oxygen to generate warmth. This can lead to hypoglycemia, metabolic acidosis, hypoxia, and an increased risk of infection.
Placing the newborn under a radiant warmer provides thermal stability and prevents heat loss by radiation.
Choice B is wrong because thermogenesis is the process of heat production, not a complication.
Choice C is wrong because shivering is a mechanism of heat production in adults, not in newborns.
Choice D is wrong because brown fat production is a normal feature of newborns that helps them generate heat by lipolysis.
Here is an image of a newborn under a radiant warmer.

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