How would the nurse elicit a rooting reflex in a newborn?

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Nursing Care of the Newborn and Family Questions

Question 1 of 5

How would the nurse elicit a rooting reflex in a newborn?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A) Gently rub a finger on the side of the newborn’s cheek to elicit the rooting reflex. This action triggers the newborn's instinctual response to turn their head towards the stimulus and open their mouth, mimicking the movement made when seeking the breast for feeding. Option B is incorrect because putting a finger into the palm of the newborn's hand and waiting for them to grab on actually elicits the grasp reflex, not the rooting reflex. Option C is incorrect as stimulating the roof of the mouth would elicit the sucking reflex, not the rooting reflex. Option D is incorrect as grabbing both arms and pulling upward to watch for a startle response is describing the Moro reflex, not the rooting reflex. Understanding and being able to elicit newborn reflexes are essential skills for nurses caring for newborns. By correctly eliciting the rooting reflex, nurses can assess the newborn's neurological development and readiness for feeding. This knowledge helps nurses provide appropriate care and support for the newborn and family during this critical period of transition and bonding.

Question 2 of 5

When assessing the newborn for the presence of lanugo, where should the nurse look for it?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In assessing a newborn for the presence of lanugo, it is important to look for it on the newborn's back between the scapulae (shoulder blades). Lanugo is the fine, soft, downy hair that covers the body of a newborn. This location is where lanugo is commonly found in newborns and is a normal part of their development in utero. The other options are incorrect because: A) Lanugo is not typically found on the newborn's face. While some newborns may have fine hair on their face, this is usually not referred to as lanugo. B) Lanugo is not typically found on the newborn's extremities. The presence of lanugo on the extremities is less common compared to the back area. C) Lanugo is not typically found on the newborn's back near their buttocks. While newborns may have some hair in this area, true lanugo is more commonly found between the shoulder blades. Understanding the typical locations of lanugo on a newborn's body is essential for nurses and healthcare providers in providing comprehensive care for newborns. Recognizing normal variations in newborn appearance can help healthcare professionals assess the newborn's overall health and development accurately.

Question 3 of 5

What categories are in the Brazelton assessment? Select all that apply.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In the Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (NBAS), the categories include interactive process, organizational process, behavioral process, and motoric process. Selecting option D, motoric process, as the correct answer is supported by the fact that this category focuses on assessing the newborn's motor skills and responses, such as muscle tone and reflexes. It is an essential aspect of evaluating the infant's overall development. Options A, B, and C are incorrect for this question because they do not directly align with the specific categories assessed in the Brazelton NBAS. The interactive process typically refers to communication and social interactions, which are not the primary focus of the Brazelton assessment. The organizational process relates to sensory processing and integration, which is not a specific category in this assessment. The behavioral process involves the observation of the infant's behaviors and responses, but it is not a distinct category in the Brazelton assessment. Understanding the categories in the Brazelton assessment is crucial for nurses caring for newborns and their families. It allows for a comprehensive evaluation of the newborn's behavior and development, which can help identify any potential issues early on and provide appropriate interventions and support. Nurses must be familiar with these assessment categories to provide optimal care and support for newborns and their families in the critical postnatal period.

Question 4 of 5

The nurse knows that during the organizational process, the newborn will be rated as exceptionally good if they do what? Select all that apply.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In the organizational process after birth, a newborn will be rated as exceptionally good if they remain alert. This is because newborns who are alert are more likely to be responsive, have better feeding behaviors, and establish early bonding with their caregivers, promoting overall well-being. Being alert also indicates neurological maturity and readiness for interaction with the environment. Option B, highly irritable newborns with mood swings, is incorrect because these behaviors are signs of distress or immaturity rather than exceptional organization. Option C, demonstrating self-soothing and quieting techniques, while important, may not always indicate exceptional organization as it can vary among newborns. Option D, shutting down body responses to stimuli when drowsy, is also incorrect as it may indicate low arousal levels or neurological immaturity rather than exceptional organization. Educationally, understanding these behaviors helps nurses in assessing newborns' well-being and providing appropriate care and support. It also emphasizes the importance of promoting optimal newborn behavior for early bonding and development.

Question 5 of 5

The nurse provides discharge instructions to a parent about umbilical cord care. What statement by the parent indicates effective health teaching?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, option C is the correct response as it demonstrates an understanding of proper umbilical cord care. Using water and mild soap for cleaning when the stump is dirty is the recommended method by healthcare providers to prevent infection while allowing the cord to dry and fall off naturally. Option A is incorrect as tub baths should be avoided until the stump has completely healed to reduce the risk of infection. Option B is incorrect since cleaning the stump with antiseptics daily can be too harsh and may delay the natural healing process. Option D is also incorrect because applying antibiotic ointment daily is not necessary and can lead to antibiotic resistance. Educationally, this question emphasizes the importance of providing accurate and evidence-based discharge instructions to parents regarding newborn care. It highlights the significance of promoting natural healing processes and preventing unnecessary interventions that could potentially harm the newborn's health. It also underscores the role of nurses in educating parents on best practices for neonatal care to ensure optimal outcomes for newborns and families.

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