Final answer:
To check for the Moro reflex, a nurse should simulate the sensation of falling for the newborn. The baby should respond by spreading and then pulling in the arms, usually accompanied by crying. This reflex is crucial for indicating a newborn's proper neurological development.
Step-by-step explanation:
To assess for the Moro reflex in a newborn, the nurse should perform a series of actions where the infant is made to feel as if they are falling. This can be done by supporting the baby’s head and back in a semi-reclined position, and then gently allowing the head and back to fall backward to an angle of about 30 degrees, which simulates the sensation of falling. The expected response would be for the baby to suddenly spread out the arms (abduction), then pull them back in (adduction), and typically end with a cry. This innate survival reflex assists the baby in holding onto their caregiver and indicates proper function of the lower motor neurons (LMN).
Another important reflex that may be assessed during a neurological exam is the grasping reflex. This is observed when an object is placed in the infant’s palm and the baby instinctively grasps it. This reflex is present from birth until about five or six months of age. Reflex testing plays a crucial role in checking the integrity of the infant’s neurological system and assessing for normal development stages.