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 C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Nursing the baby for 5 to 10 minutes on each breast may not be sufficient for the baby to receive the hindmilk, which is rich in fat and essential for growth.
Choice B rationale
Applying vitamin E oil to the nipples after each feeding is not recommended as it can cause irritation and is not necessary for nipple care.
Choice C rationale
Laying the baby on a pillow at the level of the breast helps ensure proper positioning and latch, which is crucial for effective breastfeeding and preventing nipple soreness.
Choice D rationale
Ensuring that just the nipple is in the baby’s mouth is incorrect. The baby should latch onto the areola, not just the nipple, to ensure effective milk transfer and prevent nipple pain.
Correct Answer is ["E","F"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The head assessment finding is not mentioned as abnormal in the exhibits. The anterior fontanelle is soft and flat, which is a normal finding in newborns. This indicates that there is no increased intracranial pressure or dehydration. The head circumference and shape are also not noted to have any abnormalities, which suggests that the newborn’s head development is within normal limits.
Choice B rationale:
The glucose level is not provided in the exhibits. However, routine glucose monitoring is not typically required for healthy, term newborns unless they exhibit symptoms of hypoglycemia or have risk factors such as being large for gestational age, small for gestational age, or born to mothers with diabetes. Since the newborn is feeding well and has no signs of hypoglycemia, there is no immediate concern regarding glucose levels.
Choice C rationale:
The mucous membrane assessment shows that the mucous membranes are moist and pink, which is a normal finding. This indicates that the newborn is well-hydrated and has good perfusion. There are no signs of dehydration, pallor, or lesions in the oral cavity, which suggests that the newborn’s mucous membranes are healthy.
Choice D rationale:
The intake and output are adequate, as evidenced by the number of wet diapers and stools. The newborn has had six wet diapers and three stools in the past 24 hours, which is within the normal range for a healthy, breastfed newborn. This indicates that the newborn is receiving sufficient nutrition and is well-hydrated.
Choice E rationale:
The respiratory rate of 44/min is on the higher end of the normal range for newborns, which is typically 30-60 breaths per minute. However, it is important to monitor for any signs of respiratory distress or abnormalities, such as grunting, flaring, or retractions. Reporting this finding ensures that any potential issues are addressed promptly.
Choice F rationale:
The heart rate of 154/min is within the normal range for newborns, which is typically 120-160 beats per minute. However, it is on the higher end of the spectrum. Monitoring and reporting this finding is crucial to ensure that the newborn’s cardiovascular status remains stable and to rule out any underlying conditions that may require intervention.