What reflex should a nurse expect to see in a newborn during an assessment?

The Moro reflex, also known as the startle reflex, is an involuntary response observed in newborns typically up to about 2-3 months of age. When a newborn experiences a sudden loss of support, such as when they feel like they are falling, they will throw their arms outward, arch their back, and then quickly bring their arms back in toward their body. This reflex is part of the normal neurological development of infants and indicates intact sensory and motor pathways.

Evaluating the Moro reflex during assessments helps nurses understand the neurological status of the newborn. It serves as an essential indicator of the baby's maturity and coordination. Observing this reflex is a routine part of newborn assessments to ensure the proper development of the central nervous system.

Other reflexes mentioned, like the cough reflex, typically develops after birth and is not exclusive to newborns. The Babinski reflex involves the fanning of the toes when the sole of the foot is stroked and is present in newborns, but it is distinct from the Moro reflex. The plant reflex is less commonly referenced and pertains to the grasping action of the toes, which is not as prominently demonstrated in most assessments compared to the Moro reflex.