A nurse is collecting data on a 1-month-old infant during a well-child visit. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Explanation & Rationale
A. The rooting reflex should be present at 1 month of age, not absent. This reflex is triggered when the infant’s cheek is stroked, prompting the baby to turn their head toward the stimulus and open their mouth. B. A respiratory rate of 64/min is within the expected range for a 1-month-old infant, whose normal respiratory rate is typically between 30–60 breaths per minute. C. Head lag is normal at 1 month of age when the infant's head is lifted while they are in a sitting position. However, by 4 months of age, the infant should have more head control and reduced head lag. D. Yellow sclera indicates jaundice, which is common in newborns but should be assessed if present at 1 month to ensure it resolves. By this time, any jaundice should be resolving or gone.