Question

When the nurse accidentally bumps into a newborn's bassinet, the newborn jumps and pulls the extremities into the trunk. The nurse identifies the newborn is demonstrating which reflex?

Answer 1

The newborn is demonstrating the Moro reflex, a survival mechanism responding to the sensation of falling. It’s one of the many reflexes that newborns possess to ensure their safety and aid in essential feeding behaviors.

Step-by-step explanation:

When the nurse accidentally bumps into a newborn's bassinet causing the newborn to jump and pull the extremities into the trunk, the nurse has witnessed the Moro reflex. This is one of the newborn reflexes that are seen in infants, which is their response to the sensation of falling. The Moro reflex involves the baby spreading the arms, pulling them back in, and then usually crying. These reflexes, including the grasping reflex and the rooting reflex, are thought to be crucial for the survival of the newborn. They ensure that the infant maintains close physical contact with the caregiver, thus preventing falls and aiding in feeding behaviors essential for survival.