Final answer:
The nurse should tell the mother that infants' feet appear flat due to a fat pad covering the arch, which is normal and usually changes as the child grows older. The Babinski reflex, where toes splay out in response to stimulation of the foot's sole, is also normal in newborns but problematic in adults as it can indicate neurological issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a mother asks if her newborn baby has flat feet, the correct response from the nurse would be, "Infants' feet appear flat because the arch is covered with a fat pad." This is a common characteristic among newborns, and the appearance of flat feet typically resolves as they grow older and the fat pad diminishes, allowing the normal arch to become visible. It is normal for newborn reflexes to be present, such as the Babinski reflex, which indicates that the myelination of the spinal tract is still developing. The foot flexes dorsally and the toes splay out when the sole is lightly scratched, a reflex that disappears as they mature. However, if a newborn presents with a clubfoot, or talipes, their foot may be twisted inward with the heel turned inward and the anterior foot facing inferiorly, because of shortened or abnormally tight ligaments or leg muscles attached to the foot. This causes bone deformities and requires early treatment to prevent future complications. Commonly assessed through a neurological examination, the plantar reflex is used to assess neuromuscular function in newborns. A positive Babinski sign in infants triggers dorsiflexion and toe splaying, which is a normal finding. If the adult plantar reflex elicited a positive Babinski sign, it could be problematic, as it could indicate neurological issues due to reduced myelination of the spinal tract, making it difficult to maintain balance while standing or walking.