Nokea
The nurse is assessing the reflexes of a newborn. Stroking the outer sole of the foot assesses which reflex?
- A. Grasp
- B. Perez
- C. Babinski
- D. Dance or step
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: This is a description of the Babinski reflex. Stroking the outer sole of the foot upward from the heel across the ball of the foot causes the big toes to dorsiflex and the other toes to hyperextend. This reflex persists until approximately age 1 year or when the newborn begins to walk. The grasp reflex is elicited by touching the palms or soles at the base of the digits. The digits will flex or grasp. The Perez reflex involves stroking the newborns back when prone; the child flexes the extremities, elevating the head and pelvis. This disappears at ages 4 to 6 months. When the newborn is held so that the sole of the foot touches a hard surface, there is a reciprocal flexion and extension of the leg, simulating walking. This reflex disappears by ages 3 to 4 weeks.
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Which statement reflects accurate information about patterns of sleep and wakefulness in the newborn?
- A. States of sleep are independent of environmental stimuli.
- B. The quiet alert stage is the best stage for newborn stimulation.
- C. Cycles of sleep states are uniform in newborns of the same age.
- D. Muscle twitches and irregular breathing are common during deep sleep.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: During the quiet alert stage, the newborns eyes are wide open and bright. The newborn responds to the environment by active body movement and staring at close-range objects. Newborns ability to control their own cycles depend on their neurobehavioral development. Each newborn has an individual cycle. Muscle twitches and irregular breathing are common during light sleep.
Which is true regarding an infants kidney function?
- A. Conservation of fluid and electrolytes occurs.
- B. Urine has color and odor similar to the urine of adults.
- C. The ability to concentrate urine is less than that of adults.
- D. Normally, urination does not occur until 24 hours after delivery.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: At birth, all structural components are present in the renal system, but there is a functional deficiency in the kidneys ability to concentrate urine and to cope with conditions of fluid and electrolyte stress such as dehydration or a concentrated solute load. Infants urine is colorless and odorless. The first voiding usually occurs within 24 hours of delivery. Newborns void when the bladder is stretched to 15 ml, resulting in about 20 voidings per day.
Why are rectal temperatures not recommended in newborns?
- A. They are inaccurate.
- B. They do not reflect core body temperature.
- C. They can cause perforation of rectal mucosa.
- D. They take too long to obtain an accurate reading.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rectal temperatures are avoided in newborns. If done incorrectly, the insertion of a thermometer into the rectum can cause perforation of the mucosa. The time it takes to determine body temperature is related to the equipment used, not only the route.
Which statement best represents the first period of reactivity in the infant?
- A. Begins when the newborn awakes from a deep sleep
- B. Is an excellent time to acquaint the parents with the newborn
- C. Ends when the amounts of respiratory mucus have decreased
- D. Provides time for the mother to recover from the childbirth process
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: During the first period of reactivity, the infant is alert, cries vigorously, may suck his or her fist greedily, and appears interested in the environment. The infants eyes are usually wide open, suggesting that this is an excellent opportunity for mother, father, and infant to see each other. The second period of reactivity begins when the infant awakes from a deep sleep and ends when the amounts of respiratory mucus have decreased. The mother should sleep and recover during the second stage, when the infant is sleeping.
When doing the first assessment of a male newborn, the nurse notes that the scrotum is large, edematous, and pendulous. What should this be interpreted as?
- A. A hydrocele
- B. An inguinal hernia
- C. A normal finding
- D. An absence of testes
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A large, edematous, and pendulous scrotum in a term newborn, especially in those born in a breech position, is a normal finding. A hydrocele is fluid in the scrotum, usually unilateral, which usually resolves within a few months. An inguinal hernia may or may not be present at birth. It is more easily detected when the child is crying. The presence or absence of testes should be determined on palpation of the scrotum and inguinal canal. Absence of testes may be an indication of ambiguous genitalia.