A nurse is caring for a newborn and assessing newborn reflexes. To elicit the Babinski reflex, the nurse should take which of the following actions?
Tickle the outer edge of the sole of the newborn’s foot moving up toward the toes.
Turn the newborn’s head quickly to one side.
Hold the newborn vertically allowing one foot to touch the table surface.
Clap near the crib and make a loud noise.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
The Babinski reflex is elicited by stroking the outer edge of the sole of the newborn’s foot, moving up toward the toes. This causes the big toe to move upward and the other toes to fan out.
Choice B rationale
Turning the newborn’s head quickly to one side is used to elicit the tonic neck reflex, not the Babinski reflex.
Choice C rationale
Holding the newborn vertically and allowing one foot to touch the table surface is used to elicit the stepping reflex, not the Babinski reflex.
Choice D rationale
Clapping near the crib and making a loud noise is used to elicit the startle (Moro) reflex, not the Babinski reflex.
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Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Given the neonate’s symptoms and critically low blood glucose level (30 mg/dL), the most urgent action is to address the hypoglycemia. Therefore, the nurse shouldadminister a bolus of intravenous glucose (Option A). This immediate intervention is crucial to stabilize the neonate and prevent further complications associated with hypoglycemia.
Choice B rationale
While monitoring blood glucose levels is important, waiting 30 minutes to reassess without immediate intervention could allow the hypoglycemia to worsen, potentially leading to severe complications such as seizures or brain damage. Immediate treatment is necessary to stabilize the neonate.
Choice C rationale
Although feeding can help increase blood glucose levels, the neonate’s current symptoms (jitteriness, poor feeding, weak cry, and irritability) suggest that they may not be able to effectively feed. Additionally, the blood glucose level is critically low and requires more rapid correction than feeding alone can provide.
Choice D rationale
While maintaining an appropriate body temperature is important, the neonate’s temperature (36.1°C) is not critically low. The primary concern here is the hypoglycemia, which needs to be addressed immediately. Placing the neonate under a radiant warmer does not directly address the low blood glucose level.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Applying a 1-2 cm ribbon from outer to inner canthus is incorrect because it increases the risk of contamination and infection by moving from a less clean area to a more clean area.
Choice B rationale
Applying a 2-3 inch ribbon from inner to outer canthus is incorrect because the length of the ribbon is too long and the direction is not recommended for preventing contamination.
Choice C rationale
Applying a 1-2 cm ribbon from inner to outer canthus is correct as it minimizes the risk of contamination by moving from a cleaner area to a less clean area, ensuring proper application of the ointment.
Choice D rationale
Applying a 1-2 inch ribbon to the upper eyelid is incorrect because the upper eyelid is not the recommended site for application, and the length of the ribbon is too long.