Final answer:
A nurse should expect to see acrocyanosis, a positive Babinski reflex, and two umbilical arteries visible upon physical assessment of a newborn in the nursery.
Step-by-step explanation:
Upon admission to the nursery, a nurse preparing a physical assessment of a newborn should expect the manifestation of acrocyanosis. Acrocyanosis is the bluish discoloration of the extremities, such as the hands and feet, due to the temporary constriction of blood vessels.
The nurse should also expect to observe a positive Babinski reflex. The Babinski reflex is characterized by the upward movement and fanning out of the toes when the sole of the foot is stroked.
In terms of the umbilical cord, the nurse should expect to see two umbilical arteries visible upon physical assessment, as this is the typical number of arteries in a normal newborn.