While evaluating the reflexes of a newborn, the nurse notes that with a loud noise the newborn symmetrically abducts and extends his arms, his fingers fan out and form a "C" with the thumb and forefinger, and he has a slight tremor

Question

The nurse would document this finding as a positive: a. Tonic neck reflex.
b. Glabellar (Myerson) reflex.
c. Babinski reflex.
d. Moro reflex.

Answer 1

D

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A The tonic neck reflex occurs when the infant extends the leg on the side to which the infant's head simultaneously turns.
B The glabellar reflex is elicited by tapping on the infant's head while the eyes are open. A characteristic response is blinking for the first few taps.
C The Babinski reflex occurs when the sole of the foot is stroked upward along the lateral aspect of the sole and then across the ball of the foot. A positive response occurs when all the toes hyperextend, with dorsiflexion of the big toe.
D The characteristics displayed by the infant are associated with a positive Moro reflex.