Which of the following actions should the nurse take to elicit the newborn's Moro reflex?

The correct answer is B. To elicit the Moro reflex, the nurse should hold the newborn vertically, allowing one foot to touch the crib surface. This action mimics the sensation of falling, triggering the Moro reflex which is characterized by the newborn's arms and legs extending outward and then coming back toward the body. This reflex is a normal response seen in healthy newborns and helps to assess their neurological development. Turning the newborn's head quickly to one side (A) may elicit the tonic neck reflex, performing a sharp hand clap near the infant (C) may startle the newborn but not specifically elicit the Moro reflex, and placing a finger at the base of the newborn's toes (D) may trigger the Babinski reflex.