What should the nurse tell a mother about her newborn’s tonic neck position?

The tonic neck position, often referred to as the "fencing reflex," is a normal reflex seen in healthy newborns. This position occurs when a newborn turns their head to one side; the arm and leg on that side extend while the opposite arm and leg flex. This reflex is typically present from birth and generally starts to diminish as the baby develops, disappearing by around 4 to 6 months of age rather than 2 months as mentioned in one of the choices.

It is crucial to understand that seeing this reflex in a newborn is expected and part of their neurological development. It indicates that the infant's neurological system is functioning within normal parameters. The persistence of this tonic neck position can be a cause for concern if it continues beyond the typical age range or is accompanied by other unusual reflexes or developmental delays. In such cases, further evaluation might be warranted, but as a standalone reflex, it is a normal finding in newborns.

Overall, the understanding that this tonic neck position is expected helps reassure mothers about their newborn's health in the early developmental stages.