The nurse is teaching a new mother about the development of sensory skills in her newborn. What would alert the mother to a sensory deficit in her newborn?

The correct answer is B because a lack of response to loud noises can indicate a sensory deficit in a newborn. Newborns typically startle or show some reaction to sudden loud sounds if their sensory abilities are developing normally. This lack of response could signal a potential issue with their auditory system or overall sensory processing. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they describe typical behaviors seen in newborns that do not necessarily indicate a sensory deficit. For example, eye focusing on near objects and occasional wandering or crossed eyes are common in newborns as their vision develops. Becoming more alert with stroking when drowsy is a normal response to touch and does not necessarily indicate a sensory deficit.