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 B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Erythema toxicum is a common, benign rash seen in newborns. It appears as red patches with small white or yellow pustules in the center. It is not characterized by small raised pearly white spots on the nose and chin.
Choice B rationale
Milia spots are small raised pearly white spots that commonly appear on the nose, chin, and cheeks of newborns. They are caused by trapped keratin and are harmless, usually resolving on their own within a few weeks.
Choice C rationale
Mongolian spots are flat, blue-gray patches commonly found on the lower back and buttocks of newborns, especially those with darker skin. They are not raised and do not appear on the nose and chin.
Choice D rationale
Epstein’s pearls are small white or yellow cysts found on the gums or roof of the mouth in newborns. They are not found on the nose and chin. .
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Faint red marks on the plantar surface are more common in preterm infants and are not typically seen in post-term infants.
Choice B rationale
Copious vernix is usually seen in preterm infants. Post-term infants often have little to no vernix.
Choice C rationale
Dry, cracked skin is a common finding in post-term infants due to prolonged exposure to the amniotic fluid.
Choice D rationale
Scant scalp hair is more common in preterm infants. Post-term infants usually have more developed hair.