Page 822 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

the nipple, and sucks.
c. The rooting reflex usually disappears
after 3 to 4 months, but may persist for
1 year.
2. Swallowing reflex
a. Swallowing reflex occurs spontaneously
after sucking and obtaining fluids.
b. Newborn swallows in coordination
with sucking without gagging,
coughing, or vomiting.
3. Tonic neck or fencing
a. While the newborn is falling asleep or
sleeping, gently and quickly turn the
head to 1 side.
b. As the newborn faces the left side, the
left arm and leg extend outward while
the right arm and leg flex.
c. When the head is turned to the right
side, the right arm and leg extend
outward while the left arm and leg
flex.
d. Response usually disappears within 3
to 4 months.
4. Palmar-plantar grasp
a. Place a finger in the palm of the
newborn’s hand and then place a
finger at the base of the toes.
b. The newborn’s fingers curl around the
examiner’s fingers, and the newborn’s
toes curl downward.
c. Palmar response lessens within 3 to 4
months.
d. Plantar response lessens within 8
months.
5. Moro reflex
a. Hold the newborn in a semisitting
position and then allow the head and
trunk to fall backward to at least a 30-
degree angle.
b. The newborn assumes sharp extension
and abduction of the arms with the
thumbs and forefingers in a “C”
position; this is followed by flexion
and adduction to an “embrace”
position (legs follow a similar pattern).
c. The Moro reflex is present at birth and
is absent by 6 months of age if
neurological maturation is not

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