A newborn client has a positive Babinski's reflex upon admission ...

[silviawilliams41]

A newborn client has a positive Babinski's reflex upon admission to the nursery. Which of these actions should the nurse take?
 
  a. No action should be taken, because it is considered a normal reflex until the child is about 12 to 18 months of age.
  b. Inform the health care provider because it indicates a problem with the central nervous system.
  c. Request an order for a blood glucose because it indicates hypoglycemia in the newborn.
  d. Watch the newborn carefully because it indicates the possibility of a seizure disorder.

Question 2

When a newborn assumes the fencing position under the radiant warmer, it means that the infant:
 
  a. extends and arches the spine with flexion of the legs
  b. extends the arm and leg on the side the face points to and flexes the opposite arm and leg
  c. flexes the arm and leg on the side the face points to and extends the opposite arm and leg
  d. rotates the trunk in the direction the head is turned

[Galvarado142]

Answer to Question 1

A
A positive Babinski's reflex is considered a normal reflex until the child is about 12 to 18 months of age. After the child has mastered walking, it is abnormal.

Answer to Question 2

B
The tonic neck reflex (fencing position) is elicited by placing the infant supine and rotating the head to one side. The arm and leg on the side to which the jaw is turned will extend, and the opposite arm and leg will flex.