An instructor asks a nursing student to test a newborn’s rooting reflex. Which technique would be correct?

Choice A reason: Offering a finger may elicit sucking, not rooting, which involves head-turning toward a stimulus. Stroking the cheek triggers the rooting reflex, so this is incorrect for testing the specific reflex. Choice B reason: Stroking the infant’s cheek near the mouth elicits the rooting reflex, causing the newborn to turn toward the stimulus, seeking to nurse. This is the correct technique for testing this reflex. Choice C reason: Jarring the crib tests the Moro reflex, not rooting, which is unrelated to startle responses. Cheek stroking is specific to rooting, so this incorrect for the reflex being assessed. Choice D reason: Stroking the foot edge tests the Babinski reflex, not rooting, which involves oral seeking. The cheek is the correct area to stimulate, so this is incorrect for the rooting reflex.