Newborn Reflexes

Question 1

absence or persistence of infantile automatisms may indicate

Answer 1

severe CNS dysfunction

Question 2

produce loud noise or hold baby supine and lower 2ft abruptly

Answer 2

Moro reflex

Question 3

Moro reflex should disappear by

Answer 3

4 mos

Question 4

fingers grasp/flex and hold finger

Answer 4

palmar/plantar grasp

Question 5

Palmar/plantar grasp should disappear by

Answer 5

4mos

Question 6

infant sucks finger

Answer 6

sucking reflex

Question 7

fanning and extension of toes with dorsiflexion of great toe

Answer 7

Babinski reflex

Question 8

Babinski reflex should disappear by

Answer 8

2yo

Question 9

T or F Clonus is considered an infantile automatism

Answer 9

F-rapid dorsiflexion of the foot resulting in rhythmic plantar flexion of the foot

• 8-10contractions may be nml
• sustained clonus–>clue to CNS dysfxn

Question 10

eyelids close in response to bright light

Answer 10

blinking

Question 11

Blinking reflex disappears by

Answer 11

1yo

Question 12

touch the cheek or side of mouth with the finger and the infant turns head towards the stimulus, opens mouth, and begins sucking motions

Answer 12

rooting reflex

Question 13

the rooting reflex disappears by

Answer 13

3-4mos

Question 14

hold infant upright with one foot touching surface and infant will alternate stepping movements

Answer 14

stepping reflex

Question 15

stepping reflex disappears by

Answer 15

disappearance is variable

Question 16

turn head to one side and the infant extends arm toward direction of head, flexion of opposite arm

Answer 16

tonic neck/fencing reflex

Question 17

tonic neck/fencing reflex disappears by

Answer 17

6mos

-may be present at birth or not until 2mos old

Question 18

T or F the tonic neck/fencing reflex should be evoked with every attempt.

Answer 18

F-abnml