Newborn Assessment Flashcards
Which reflex is the most dramatic?
Moro
Moro Reflex
Occurs when the infants head and trunk are allowed to drop back 30 degrees when the infant is in the slightly raised position. The infants extremities extend and abduct with fingers flailing open and thumbs and forefingers forming a C, then the extremities return to the flexed position.
Palmar Grasp Reflex
Occurs when the infant’s palm is touched near the base of the fingers causing the hand to close into a tight fist.
This reflex may be weak or absent if the infant has injury to the nerves of the arms.
Palmar Grasp Reflex
Plantar Grasp Reflex
Occurs when the area below the toes is touched causing them to curl over the finger
Babinski Reflex
Elicited by stroking the lateral sole of the infant’s foot from the heel toward and across the ball of the foot. The toes flare outward and the big toe dorsiflexes.
Which reflex is used to take the infant’s footprints?
Babinski Reflex
Rooting Reflex
Occurs when the infant’s cheek is touched near the mouth. The infant turns his/her head toward the side that had been stroked.
Which reflex is most often demonstrated when the infant is hungry?
Rooting Reflex
Which reflexes are most important for feeding?
Rooting and Sucking Reflexes
This reflex helps the infant find the nipple
Rooting Reflex
When both of the infant’s cheeks are touched, the infant becomes…
confused
Sucking Reflex
Occurs when the mouth or palate is touched by the nipple or finger causing the infant to begin sucking; assessed for presence and strength
Which reflex is essential to normal life?
Sucking Reflex
Feeding difficulties may be related to…
problems in the infant’s ability to suck or coordinate sucking with swallowing and breathing
Tonic Neck Reflex
Occurs when the infant is lying in the supine position. The infant extends the arm and leg on the side to which the head is turned and flexes the extremities on the other side
This reflex is also called the “fencing reflex”
Tonic Neck Reflex
Stepping Reflex
Occurs when infants are held upright with their feet touching a solid surface. The infants lifts one foot and then the other, giving the appearance that they are trying to walk.
What is erythromycin used for in newborns?
Prophylactic treatment for possible gonorrhea or chlamydia
Why is Vitamin K given to newborns?
Because their intestines have not produced any bacteria yet
