A nurse is checking the reflexes of a newborn. Which of the following actions should the nurse use to elicit the Babinski reflex?
Touch the corner of the newborn's mouth.
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.
The Correct Answer is C
(a) Touch the corner of the newborn's mouth:
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 touch and open their mouth, which helps with feeding.
(b) Place the newborn supine and apply pressure to the soles of the feet:
Applying pressure to the soles of the feet is not a method used to elicit the Babinski reflex. This action might influence other reflexes but not the Babinski.
(c) Stroke upward on the lateral aspect of the sole of the newborn's foot:
This is correct. The Babinski reflex is elicited by stroking upward on the lateral aspect of the sole of the newborn's foot. A positive response is the fanning and extension of the toes, which is normal in newborns.
(d) Pull the newborn up by the wrist from a supine position:
Pulling the newborn up by the wrists from a supine position is used to assess the traction response or pull-to-sit maneuver, which tests the newborn's head control and muscle tone, not the Babinski reflex.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
(a) Serum bilirubin:
While serum bilirubin can provide useful information about liver function, it is not the most immediate concern for a client with hyperemesis gravidarum. This condition primarily involves severe nausea and vomiting, which can lead to dehydration and ketosis.
(b) Liver enzymes:
Liver enzymes can be elevated in hyperemesis gravidarum, but they are not the primary concern. The immediate priority is to assess the extent of dehydration and metabolic disturbances.
(c) Urinalysis for ketones:
This test is the priority because it helps determine the extent of dehydration and ketosis. In hyperemesis gravidarum, severe vomiting can lead to significant fluid and electrolyte imbalances and ketosis, which need to be identified and corrected promptly to prevent further complications.
(d) CBC:
A complete blood count (CBC) provides useful information about overall health and can identify anemia or infection, but it is not the priority for immediate assessment of hyperemesis gravidarum. The immediate need is to evaluate hydration status and ketosis, which is best done through urinalysis for ketones.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
(a) Pedal edema
Pedal edema, or swelling of the feet and ankles, is a common finding during pregnancy due to increased fluid retention and pressure on the lower extremities from the growing uterus. While pedal edema should be monitored, it is not typically a concerning finding unless it is severe or accompanied by other symptoms suggestive of preeclampsia.
(b) BP of 132/84 mm Hg
A blood pressure of 132/84 mm Hg is within the normal range for pregnancy. However, if the client's blood pressure continues to increase or is accompanied by other symptoms of hypertension, such as proteinuria or headaches, it may warrant further evaluation.
(c) Weight gain of 1 kg (2.2 lb)
Weight gain during pregnancy is expected and can vary from person to person and from week to week. A weight gain of 1 kg (2.2 lb) over the course of a month is within the normal range for pregnancy and may not require immediate reporting to the provider unless there are other concerning symptoms.
(d) Double vision
Double vision (diplopia) can be a symptom of several conditions, including preeclampsia, which is a serious complication of pregnancy characterized by high blood pressure and proteinuria. Double vision can also be caused by other neurological or ophthalmologic conditions. Given its potential association with preeclampsia and other serious conditions, the nurse should promptly report double vision to the provider for further evaluation and management.
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