A nurse is caring for a newborn and assessing newborn reflexes.

 To elicit the Moro reflex, what action should the nurse take? 

Choice A rationale
The Babinski reflex is a normal reflex in infants that disappears by 12 months of age. It involves fanning out of the toes when the sole of the foot is stroked, and it doesn’t promote latching during breastfeeding.
Choice B rationale
The stepping reflex is a primitive reflex that makes newborns appear to take steps or dance when held upright with their feet touching a solid surface. It doesn’t promote latching during breastfeeding.
Choice C rationale
The rooting reflex helps promote latching during breastfeeding. When the corner of the baby’s mouth is touched, the baby will turn his or her head and open his or her mouth to follow and “root” in the direction of the stroking. This helps the baby find the breast or bottle to start feeding.
Choice D rationale
The Moro reflex, also known as the startle reflex, involves the baby throwing back his or her head, extending out the arms and legs, crying, then pulling the arms and legs back in. It doesn’t promote latching during breastfeeding.

• Increase the oxytocin infusion to 13 mU/min: This is an anticipated action. The client’s contractions are becoming more frequent and intense, and her cervix is dilating and effacing. Increasing the oxytocin infusion can help to further progress labor.
• Place client in a side-lying position: This is an anticipated action. The side-lying position can help to improve maternal and fetal circulation and can also help to alleviate back pain.
• Initiate bolus of primary IV fluids: This is an anticipated action. The client is in labor and may not be able to consume adequate fluids orally. Providing IV fluids can help to prevent dehydration.
• Apply oxygen at 10 L/min via venturi mask: This is a nonessential action. The client’s respiratory rate and oxygen saturation are within normal limits, and she is not reporting any difficulty breathing.
• Perform sterile vaginal exam: This is an anticipated action. Regular vaginal exams are necessary to assess the progress of labor, including changes in cervical dilation, effacement, and fetal station.
• Assign a Bishop score: This is a nonessential action. The Bishop score is typically used to evaluate the readiness of the cervix for induction of labor. As the client is already in labor and her cervix is dilating and effacing, assigning a Bishop score is not necessary at this time.
• Perform an amniotomy: This is a nonessential action. An amniotomy (artificial rupture of membranes) can be used to induce or augment labor, but it is not necessary if labor is progressing normally, as it appears to be in this client. Please note that these are potential actions and the healthcare provider should be informed immediately for further evaluation and management. It’s important to continue following the provider’s prescriptions and closely monitor the client’s condition.