ATI Maternal Newborn Related

Review ATI Maternal Newborn related questions and content

When checking for the Moro reflex in a newborn, what action should the nurse take?

  • A. Hold the newborn vertically under arms and allow one foot to touch the table.
  • B. Stimulate the pads of the newborn's hands with stroking or massage.
  • C. Stimulate the soles of the newborn's feet on the outer lateral surface of each foot.
  • D. Hold the newborn in a semi-sitting position, then allow the newborn's head and trunk to fall backward.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because the Moro reflex is elicited by sudden head movement or loud noise, causing the infant to extend their arms, then bring them back in a hugging motion. By holding the newborn in a semi-sitting position and allowing their head and trunk to fall backward, the nurse can observe the Moro reflex. Choices A, B, and C do not correctly elicit the Moro reflex as they involve different stimuli or movements that do not trigger the characteristic response of arm extension followed by flexion.