A nurse is collecting data from a newborn.
The nurse should recognize that which of the following images demonstrates a positive Babinski reflex?
Image of a newborn with toes fanning out when the sole of the foot is stroked.
Image of a newborn with toes curling in when the sole of the foot is stroked.
Image of a newborn with no response when the sole of the foot is stroked.
Image of a newborn with the big toe bending down when the sole of the foot is stroked.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
A positive Babinski reflex is characterized by the fanning out of the toes and the upward movement of the big toe when the sole of the foot is stroked. This reflex is normal in infants up to 2 years old and indicates an immature central nervous system. The presence of this reflex in older children or adults can indicate neurological issues.
Choice B rationale
Curling in of the toes when the sole of the foot is stroked is indicative of the plantar grasp reflex, not the Babinski reflex. The plantar grasp reflex is a different neurological response and does not indicate the same neurological development as the Babinski reflex.
Choice C rationale
No response when the sole of the foot is stroked could indicate a lack of neurological response or an issue with the sensory or motor pathways. This is not characteristic of a positive Babinski reflex and could be a sign of neurological impairment.
Choice D rationale
The big toe bending down when the sole of the foot is stroked is a normal response in older children and adults, known as the plantar reflex. This response indicates a mature central nervous system and is not characteristic of a positive Babinski reflex in infants.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Repositioning the newborn every 2 to 3 hours is essential during phototherapy to ensure that all areas of the skin are exposed to the light. This helps in the effective breakdown of bilirubin and prevents pressure sores.
Choice B rationale
Monitoring the newborn’s blood glucose level every 2 hours is not a standard intervention for phototherapy. While monitoring glucose levels is important in certain conditions, it is not directly related to the management of hyperbilirubinemia.
Choice C rationale
Applying a water-based ointment to the newborn’s skin every 4 to 6 hours is not recommended during phototherapy. Ointments can block the light from reaching the skin, reducing the effectiveness of the treatment.
Choice D rationale
Giving the newborn 30 mL of distilled water after each feeding is not a recommended practice. Hydration is important, but it should be done through breastfeeding or formula feeding, not distilled water.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A hemoglobin level of 9.5 g/dL is low for a full-term newborn and should be reported to the provider. Normal hemoglobin levels for newborns range from 14 to 24 g/dL4.
Choice B rationale
A white blood cell count of 10,000/mm³ is within the normal range for a newborn, which is typically between 9,000 and 30,000/mm³4.
Choice C rationale
A glucose level of 60 mg/dL is within the normal range for a newborn, which is typically between 40 and 60 mg/dL4.
Choice D rationale
A platelet count of 225,000/mm³ is within the normal range for a newborn, which is typically between 150,000 and 450,000/mm³4.
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