Which newborn reflex is elicited by stroking the lateral sole of the infant's foot from the heel to the ball of the foot?

Choice A rationale

The stepping reflex, also known as the walking or dancing reflex, is elicited by holding the infant upright with their feet touching a flat surface. The infant will make stepping or dancing movements. This is not elicited by stroking the lateral sole of the foot.

Choice B rationale

The Babinski reflex is elicited by stroking the lateral sole of the infant's foot from the heel upward and across the ball of the foot. A positive Babinski sign is characterized by dorsiflexion of the great toe and fanning out of the other toes. This reflex is normal in infants and typically disappears by 12 to 24 months of age.

Choice C rationale

The tonic neck reflex, also known as the fencing reflex, is elicited by turning the infant's head to one side. The arm and leg on the turned side extend, while the arm and leg on the opposite side flex. Stroking the sole of the foot does not elicit this reflex.

Choice D rationale

The plantar grasp reflex is elicited by placing a finger or object across the base of the infant's toes. The toes will curl downward and grasp the object. This reflex is different from the response elicited by stroking the lateral sole of the foot. .

Choice A rationale

Monitoring uterine contractions is important during labor, but in the context of late pregnancy bleeding, the immediate priority is to assess the well-being of both the mother and the fetus. Contractions may or may not be present at this stage.

Choice B rationale

Placing clean disposable pads is a reasonable action to manage bleeding and assess its characteristics. However, it does not address the immediate need to evaluate the maternal and fetal status, which is critical in a bleeding episode during late pregnancy.

Choice C rationale

Assessing fetal heart rate (FHR) is crucial to determine fetal well-being in the presence of bleeding. Maternal vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, respiration) are equally important to evaluate the mother's hemodynamic stability. Bleeding in late pregnancy can compromise both maternal and fetal oxygenation and perfusion, making this assessment the highest priority. Normal maternal heart rate is typically 60-100 beats per minute, and normal maternal blood pressure is typically 90/60 mmHg to 120/80 mmHg. The normal fetal heart rate range is 110-160 beats per minute.

Choice D rationale

Performing a venipuncture for hemoglobin and hematocrit levels will provide information about the extent of blood loss and the mother's oxygen-carrying capacity. While this is an important assessment, it is not the immediate priority compared to evaluating the fetal heart rate and maternal vital signs, which provide real-time information about their current status. Normal hemoglobin for pregnant women typically ranges from 10.5 to 14 g/dL in the first and third trimesters and slightly lower in the second trimester due to hemodilution. Normal hematocrit for pregnant women typically ranges from 32% to 42%.