A nurse is checking the reflexes of a newborn.Which of the following actions should the nurse use to elicit the Babinski reflex?
Place the newborn supine and apply pressure to the soles of the feet.
Stroke upward on the lateral aspect of the sole of the newborn’s foot.
Pull the newborn up by the wrist from a supine position.
Touch the corner of the newborn’s mouth.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
Placing the newborn supine and applying pressure to the soles of the feet is not the correct method to elicit the Babinski reflex. This action does not stimulate the appropriate nerve pathways involved in the reflex.
Choice B rationale
Stroking upward on the lateral aspect of the sole of the newborn’s foot is the correct method to elicit the Babinski reflex. This action stimulates the plantar reflex, causing the big toe to extend upward and the other toes to fan out.
Choice C rationale
Pulling the newborn up by the wrist from a supine position is used to elicit the traction response, not the Babinski reflex. The traction response involves the newborn flexing their arms and attempting to lift their head.
Choice D rationale
Touching the corner of the newborn’s mouth elicits the rooting reflex, not the Babinski reflex. The rooting reflex causes the newborn to turn their head toward the stimulus and open their mouth.
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
White blood cell count is not an indicator of anemia. It measures immune function and can indicate infection or inflammation.
Choice B rationale
Urine specific gravity does not identify the risk for pregnancy-induced hypertension. It measures the concentration of urine and can indicate hydration status.
Choice C rationale
Sedimentation rate does not check for signs of cancer. It measures inflammation in the body and can indicate various conditions.
Choice D rationale
Platelet count identifies if the client is at risk for bleeding. Low platelet levels can indicate a higher risk of bleeding and are important to monitor during pregnancy.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Administering oxygen may help with symptoms like headache and weakness, but it does not address the underlying issue of poor circulation and potential shock. Elevating the legs is more effective in improving blood flow to vital organs.
Choice B rationale
Offering an ice pack is not appropriate for the symptoms described. The client is showing signs of shock, and an ice pack would not address the underlying issue.
Choice C rationale
Providing a warm blanket may offer comfort, but it does not address the symptoms of shock. Elevating the legs is a more direct intervention to improve circulation and stabilize the client.
Choice D rationale
Elevating the client’s legs helps improve venous return to the heart, increasing cardiac output and stabilizing blood pressure. This is a critical intervention for a client showing signs of shock.