What is the best method for a nurse to elicit the Moro reflex in a newborn?

The Moro reflex, also known as the startle reflex, is an important infant reflex that indicates the neurological status of a newborn. It is typically elicited when the infant feels a sensation of falling or sees a sudden stimulus, prompting an immediate response.

Making a loud sound within close range of the newborn effectively stimulates this reflex. The sudden noise can startle the baby, causing him or her to extend the arms and legs, then retract them, which is the hallmark response of the Moro reflex.

Other methods like gently moving the baby's arms or holding the baby upright do not accurately represent the mechanism required to elicit the Moro reflex effectively. While turning the baby's head slightly might provide some sensory input, it does not create the startling response necessary to trigger the Moro reflex as directly or effectively as a loud sound would. Thus, employing a loud noise is the most appropriate method for eliciting this reflex in a newborn.