Final answer:
The nurse must assess for the presence of the swallow reflex before feeding an infant, as it is directly linked to the infant's ability to safely consume milk and prevent aspiration.
Step-by-step explanation:
Before initially feeding an infant, the nurse must assess for the presence of the swallow reflex. This reflex is crucial for ensuring that the infant is able to safely swallow milk and receive nourishment. Other newborn reflexes include the rooting reflex, which aids the baby in finding the nipple to feed, the Moro reflex, which is a response to the sensation of falling, and the grasping reflex, which allows the baby to instinctively grasp objects. While the rooting reflex is important for feeding, it is the swallow reflex that is directly related to the act of swallowing and ensuring that the infant can feed without aspiration.The rooting reflex helps the baby find the nipple by touch when their cheek is stroked or they rub against an object. The swallow reflex is important for the baby to be able to swallow breastmilk or formula effectively. The Moro reflex and Babinski reflex are not directly related to feeding.