Newborn Reflexes Assessment (Infant) Nursing Pediatric NCLEX Review

Summary

In this informative video, Sarah from registerednessrn.com explains the significance of assessing newborn reflexes, which indicate the development of an infant's nervous system. She details key reflexes, including the palmar and plantar grasp, Moro, rooting, sucking, Babinski, crawling, stepping, and tonic neck reflexes. For each reflex, she describes how to elicit the response, what a normal reaction looks like, and when these reflexes typically disappear. This engaging overview serves as a valuable resource for understanding infant development and preparing for exams.

Takeaways

• 👶 Newborn reflexes are innate responses that indicate the development and functioning of an infant's nervous system.
• 📝 There are several key reflexes to assess in newborns, including the palmer grasp and plantar grasp reflexes.
• ✋ The palmer grasp reflex involves the baby grasping a finger placed in their palm and typically disappears by 4-6 months.
• 👣 The plantar grasp reflex occurs when a finger is placed under the toes, causing them to curl, disappearing by 9 months to 1 year.
• 😲 The Moro reflex (startle reflex) is triggered by loud noises or unexpected movements, causing the baby to throw out their arms; it disappears by around 6 months.
• 🍼 The rooting reflex helps infants locate food, as stroking the cheek causes them to turn their head and open their mouth; this reflex disappears by 4 months.
• 👅 The sucking reflex is activated by touching the hard palate, prompting involuntary sucking; it disappears by about 4 months as it becomes voluntary.
• 👣 The Babinski reflex involves the big toe bending back and other toes fanning out when the foot's bottom is stroked; it disappears around 1 year.
• 🤸 The crawling reflex appears when pressure is applied to the sole of the foot while the baby is on their stomach, vanishing within a few weeks to a couple of months.
• 🚶 The step reflex involves the baby moving their legs as if walking when held upright with their feet touching a surface; this reflex typically disappears between 3 to 4 months.
• ⚔️ The tonic neck reflex (fencing reflex) occurs when the baby's head is turned, causing the arm and leg on the same side to extend; it disappears by about 4 months.

Q & A

What are newborn reflexes?

Newborn reflexes are automatic responses that a newborn baby is born with. They indicate how well the nervous system is developing and functioning.

Why are newborn reflexes important?

They help assess the development of the nervous system and provide insight into the infant's overall neurological health.

What is the palmar grasp reflex?

The palmar grasp reflex occurs when a finger is placed in the infant's palm, causing the hand to close around it. This reflex typically disappears between four to six months of age.

How do you elicit the plantar grasp reflex?

The plantar grasp reflex is elicited by placing a finger underneath the infant's toes, resulting in the toes curling around the finger. It usually disappears around nine months to one year of age.

What triggers the moro reflex?

The moro reflex, also known as the startle reflex, is triggered by a sudden loud noise or unexpected movement, causing the infant to extend their arms and sometimes cry. It typically disappears around six months of age.

What is the rooting reflex and its significance?

The rooting reflex occurs when the infant's cheek or side of the mouth is stroked, causing the head to turn and the mouth to open in search of food. This reflex helps infants locate their food source and usually disappears around four months.

How does the sucking reflex function?

The sucking reflex is triggered when something touches the roof of the infant's mouth, leading to an involuntary sucking motion. This reflex is vital for feeding and typically disappears at about four months.

What is the babinski reflex?

The babinski reflex is observed when the bottom of the foot is stroked, causing the big toe to bend backward and the other toes to fan out. This reflex disappears around one year of age.

What does the crawling reflex indicate?

The crawling reflex is initiated by placing the infant on their stomach and applying pressure to the sole of the foot, prompting crawling-like motions. It typically disappears within a few weeks to a couple of months after birth.

How is the stepping reflex demonstrated?

The stepping reflex is demonstrated when the infant is held upright with their feet touching a surface, causing them to move their legs as if walking. This reflex generally disappears between three to four months of age.

What does the tonic neck reflex look like?

The tonic neck reflex, or fencing reflex, occurs when the infant's head is turned to one side, causing the arm and leg on that side to extend while the opposite arm and leg flex. This reflex typically disappears around four months of age.