APGAR and Relfexes Flashcards
how often are the tests performed?
tests are done at one and five minutes after birth. Will continue of scores are low
The five areas that are tested with the APGAR testing
- Respiration/crying
- Reflexes/irritability
- Pulse/heart rate
- Skin color in extremities
- Muscle tone
That is being measured with the Ballard score
Gestational age of the baby
What are primitive reflexes?
Reflexes originating for the CNS that are present in the infant and disappear as they grow
What if the primitive reflexes are retained or reappear in older children of adults?
Suspect brain trauma/injury
Root Relfex
when the baby’s mouth/cheek are stroked, the baby will open the mouth and turn to the side of the stroking
Suck relfex
When the roof of the baby’s mouth is touched, the baby will begin to suck.
Moro Reflex
When baby is startled by a loud noise, the baby will throw their head back and extend the arms/legs then pull arms/legs back to the body
Tonic Relfex
The baby’s head is turned to one side, the arm on the side that is turned away will stretch out and the other side will bend at teh elbow
Grasp relfex
touching the bay’s palm, the bay will close their fingers around the object
Babinski’s reflex
when the sole of the foot is stroked, the big toe will bend back to the top of the foot and the other toes will splay out
Stepping Reflex
The baby appears to be walking when held with their feet touching a solid surface
Gallant Reflex
When the baby is on their stomach, and neck to middle back is stroked, the baby will curve their back toward the side that is being stroked
Why are the primitive reflexes present in the baby
To protect the baby
If the reflexes are present longer, what is the risk to the baby?
the longer the reflexes are present, the higher the chance of neurological damage
