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?

Choice A rationale

Hyperbilirubinemia, or high levels of bilirubin in the blood, can occur in newborns of diabetic mothers due to increased red blood cell breakdown. However, it is not the primary concern immediately after birth. The priority is to address conditions that can cause immediate harm, such as hypoglycemia.

Choice B rationale

Hypomagnesemia, or low magnesium levels, can occur in newborns of diabetic mothers, but it is not the most critical issue. Magnesium levels can be monitored and corrected if necessary, but hypoglycemia poses a more immediate threat to the newborn’s health.

Choice C rationale

Hypocalcemia, or low calcium levels, can also occur in newborns of diabetic mothers. While it is important to monitor and manage calcium levels, hypoglycemia is a more urgent concern because it can lead to severe complications if not addressed promptly.

Choice D rationale

Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar levels, is the most critical concern for newborns of diabetic mothers. These newborns are at high risk for hypoglycemia due to the high levels of insulin they produce in response to their mother’s elevated blood glucose levels during pregnancy. Hypoglycemia can cause serious complications, including seizures and brain damage, if not treated immediately.

Choice A rationale

Erythema toxicum is a common, benign rash in newborns but does not cause swelling that crosses suture lines.

Choice B rationale

A caput succedaneum is swelling of the scalp that crosses suture lines and is caused by prolonged pressure on the head during delivery.

Choice C rationale

Mongolian spots are benign, flat, congenital birthmarks with wavy borders and irregular shapes, typically found on the lower back and buttocks, not the head.

Choice D rationale

A cephalhematoma is a collection of blood between the skull bone and its periosteum that does not cross suture lines. .