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

Accumulation of flatulence can cause abdominal discomfort after a cesarean birth, but it does not directly stimulate uterine contractions leading to afterpains. Afterpains are specifically related to the involution of the uterus, not gastrointestinal motility.

Choice B rationale

Breastfeeding stimulates the release of oxytocin from the posterior pituitary gland. Oxytocin is a powerful uterotonic hormone that causes the uterus to contract to its pre-pregnant size. These contractions are experienced as afterpains, especially in multiparous women whose uterine muscles may have less tone.

Choice C rationale

While some medications administered after birth can have side effects, severe cramps or afterpains are primarily a physiological response to uterine involution and the hormonal changes associated with breastfeeding, rather than a direct adverse effect of medication.

Choice D rationale

Healing of the abdominal incision after a C-section causes incisional pain, which is distinct from the cramping sensation of afterpains. Afterpains are specifically due to uterine contractions, not the healing process of the abdominal wall.

Choice A rationale

Thoroughly cooking meat to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) kills the Toxoplasma gondii parasite, thus preventing transmission through ingestion of contaminated meat. This is a crucial preventive measure recommended for pregnant women.

Choice B rationale

Drinking unpasteurized milk poses a risk of toxoplasmosis, as well as other foodborne illnesses like listeriosis and brucellosis. Pasteurization is a process that heats milk to a specific temperature for a set time, killing harmful bacteria and parasites, including Toxoplasma gondii. Therefore, this statement indicates a need for further instruction, as pregnant women should consume only pasteurized dairy products.

Choice C rationale

Cat feces can contain oocysts of Toxoplasma gondii, which can become infectious after a period of sporulation. Avoiding contact with materials possibly contaminated with cat feces, such as litter boxes and garden soil, is an important measure to prevent toxoplasmosis.

Choice D rationale

Handling raw meat can expose a person to Toxoplasma gondii cysts. Avoiding touching mucous membranes of the mouth or eyes after handling raw meat and washing hands thoroughly reduces the risk of self-inoculation with the parasite.