Foundations and Adult Health Nursing Test Bank - Care of the Mother and Newborn Related

Review Foundations and Adult Health Nursing Test Bank - Care of the Mother and Newborn related questions and content

The new mother calls the nurse to her room to show how her baby is "jerking around" when she changes his position. The nurse understands that the baby is exhibiting which normal reflex?

  • A. Traction reflex
  • B. Babinski reflex
  • C. Tonic neck reflex
  • D. Moro reflex
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The Moro reflex (startle reflex) causes the baby to abduct the extremities and fan the fingers with the thumb and index fingers making a "C" shape followed by flexion and adduction of the extremities.