Which reflex is the nurse assessing by turning an infants head to one side?
MeningomyeloceleMeningomyelocele is a type of neural tube defect that results from incomplete closure of the posterior spine during early development. Show
The visible mass contains dysplastic spinal cord as well as meninges, nerve roots, and CSF. As is the case with this patient, the lumbar spine is the most common location for this abnormality. When this diagnosis is made prenatally, cesaerian section is usually recommended, and the birth is planned at a location where a pediatric neurosurgeon and level 3 NICU are available. At delivery, the defect can be protected with sterile saline-soaked gauze, covered by plastic wrap, and the infant kept in a side-lying or prone position. Infants with this condition frequently have associated abnormalities; Arnold Chiari malformation, dislocated hips, bowel or bladder dysfunction, and lower extremity weakness are all common co-morbidities. To keep latex sensitivitiy from becoming a problem, only non-latex gloves and supplies should be used. Reflexes are involuntary movements or actions. Some movements are spontaneous and occur as part of the baby's normal activity. Others are responses to certain actions. Healthcare providers check reflexes to determine if the brain and nervous system are working well. Some reflexes occur only in specific periods of development. The following are some of the normal reflexes seen in newborn babies: Rooting reflexThis reflex starts when the corner of the baby's mouth is stroked or touched. The baby will turn their head and open their mouth to follow and root in the direction of the stroking. This helps the baby find the breast or bottle to start feeding. This reflex lasts about 4 months. Suck reflexRooting helps the baby get ready to suck. When the roof of the baby's mouth is touched, the baby will start to suck. This reflex doesn't start until about the 32nd week of pregnancy and is not fully developed until about 36 weeks. Premature babies may have a weak or immature sucking ability because of this. Because babies also have a hand-to-mouth reflex that goes with rooting and sucking, they may suck on their fingers or hands. Moro reflexThe Moro reflex is often called a startle reflex. That’s because it usually occurs when a baby is startled by a loud sound or movement. In response to the sound, the baby throws back their head, extends out their arms and legs, cries, then pulls the arms and legs back in. A baby's own cry can startle them and trigger this reflex. This reflex lasts until the baby is about 2 months old. Tonic neck reflexWhen a baby's head is turned to one side, the arm on that side stretches out and the opposite arm bends up at the elbow. This is often called the fencing position. This reflex lasts until the baby is about 5 to 7 months old. Grasp reflexStroking the palm of a baby's hand causes the baby to close their fingers in a grasp. The grasp reflex lasts until the baby is about 5 to 6 months old. A similar reflex in the toes lasts until 9 to 12 months. Stepping reflexThis reflex is also called the walking or dance reflex because a baby appears to take steps or dance when held upright with their feet touching a solid surface. This reflex lasts about 2 months. A reflex is a muscle reaction that happens automatically in response to stimulation. Certain sensations or movements produce specific muscle responses. ConsiderationsThe presence and strength of a reflex is an important sign of nervous system development and function. Many infant reflexes disappear as the child grows older, although some remain through adulthood. A reflex that is still present after the age when it would normally disappear can be a sign of brain or nervous system damage. Infant reflexes are responses that are normal in infants, but abnormal in other age groups. These include:
Other infant reflexes include: TONIC NECK REFLEX This reflex occurs when the head of a child who is relaxed and lying face up is moved to the side. The arm on the side where the head is facing reaches away from the body with the hand partly open. The arm on the side away from the face is flexed and the fist is clenched tightly. Turning the baby's face in the other direction reverses the position. The tonic neck position is often described as the fencer's position because it looks like a fencer's stance. TRUNCAL INCURVATION OR GALANT REFLEX This reflex occurs when the side of the infant's spine is stroked or tapped while the infant lies on the stomach. The infant will twitch their hips toward the touch in a dancing movement. GRASP REFLEX This reflex occurs if you place a finger on the infant's open palm. The hand will close around the finger. Trying to remove the finger causes the grip to tighten. Newborn infants have strong grasps and can almost be lifted up if both hands are grasping your fingers. ROOTING REFLEX This reflex occurs when the baby's cheek is stroked. The infant will turn toward the side that was stroked and begin to make sucking motions. PARACHUTE REFLEX This reflex occurs in slightly older infants when the child is held upright and the baby's body is rotated quickly to face forward (as in falling). The baby will extend his arms forward as if to break a fall, even though this reflex appears long before the baby walks. Examples of reflexes that last into adulthood are:
CausesInfant reflexes can occur in adults who have:
When to Contact a Medical ProfessionalThe health care provider will often discover abnormal infant reflexes during an exam that is done for another reason. Reflexes that remain longer than they should may be a sign of a nervous system problem. Parents should talk to their child's provider if:
What to Expect at Your Office VisitThe provider will perform a physical exam and ask about the child's medical history. Questions may include:
Alternative NamesPrimitive reflexes; Reflexes in infants; Tonic neck reflex; Galant reflex; Truncal incurvation; Rooting reflex; Parachute reflex; Grasp reflex Images
ReferencesChaves-Gnecco D, Feldman HM. Developmental/behavioral pediatrics. In: Zitelli BJ, McIntire SC, Nowalk AJ, Garrison J, eds. Zitelli and Davis' Atlas of Pediatric Physical Diagnosis. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 3. Schor NF. Neurological evaluation. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 608. Walker RWH. Nervous system. In: Glynn M, Drake WM, eds. Hutchison's Clinical Methods. 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 16. Review Date 12/10/2021Updated by: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. What is the type of reflex being used by the infant when turning from front to back?Moro or "startle" reflex
A dramatic reflex during these first few weeks is the Moro reflex. If your baby's head shifts position abruptly or falls backward--or if he is startled by something loud or abrupt--he will extend his arms and legs and neck and then rapidly bring his arms together.
Which reflex is shown when an infant turns its head toward the side of the cheek that was stroked?Rooting reflex
This reflex starts when the corner of the baby's mouth is stroked or touched. The baby will turn their head and open their mouth to follow and root in the direction of the stroking. This helps the baby find the breast or bottle to start feeding.
What are the 4 newborn reflexes?Blinking reflex: blinking the eyes when they are touched or when a sudden bright light appears. Cough reflex: coughing when the airway is stimulated. Gag reflex: gagging when the throat or back of the mouth is stimulated. Sneeze reflex: sneezing when the nasal passages are irritated.
|
