Question

How should the nurse assess a newborn's grasp reflex?

1. Put direct pressure along the sole of the newborn's foot

2. Jar the crib and watch the movement of the newborn's hands

3. Press examining fingers against the palms of the newborn's hands

4. Hold the body upright and allow the newborn's feet to touch a surface (Nugent 326)
Nugent, Patricia M. Mosby's Review Questions for the NCLEX-RN® Examination, 7th Edition. Mosby, 2011. VitalBook file.

Answer 1

To assess a newborn's grasp reflex, the nurse should press their fingers against the newborn's palms, eliciting an instinctive strong grip.

Step-by-step explanation:

To assess a newborn's grasp reflex, the nurse should press examining fingers against the palms of the newborn's hands. When this is done, newborns will instinctively grasp the fingers with surprisingly strong grip, demonstrating the grasp reflex which is present at birth. This reflex is one of several neonatal reflexes that support survival by promoting close physical contact with the caregiver and facilitating development.