NORCERT 8 Mains-2025
Pediatric Nursing
Easy

Match the neonatal reflex in List-I with its description in List-II.

List-I List-II
A. Moro reflex 1. When the baby's mouth is touched, they turn their head and mouth in that direction
B. Rooting reflex 2. Sudden movements or loud noises result in them extending their arms and legs, then bringing them back
C. Palmar grasp reflex 3. When the baby's foot is stroked, the big toe extends upward, and the other toes fan out
D. Babinski reflex 4. When touching a baby's palm, they will grasp your finger tightly

Appeared in: NORCERT 8 Mains-2025

Explanation

  • The correct matching is A-2, B-1, C-4, D-3.
  • Moro reflex (A) is the startle reflex, where a sudden noise causes the baby to extend and then retract their limbs (2).
  • Rooting reflex (B) is a feeding cue, where touching the cheek causes the baby to turn their head towards the stimulus (1).
  • Palmar grasp reflex (C) is when an object in the palm causes the baby to grip it tightly (4).
  • Babinski reflex (D) involves stroking the foot, which causes the big toe to extend and other toes to fan out (3).

Why Other Options Were Wrong

  • Option A: This option incorrectly matches all reflexes. For example, it links the Moro reflex (A) to the description of the Rooting reflex (1).
  • Option C: This option incorrectly matches the Moro reflex (A) with the description of the Rooting reflex (1) and the Rooting reflex (B) with the description of the Moro reflex (2).
  • Option D: This option incorrectly matches all reflexes with their descriptions in a completely mixed-up order.

Related Visual

Visual explanation — Related Visual
  • Visual 1: Short video clip demonstrating the Moro (startle) reflex in a newborn.
  • Visual 2: Diagram showing how to elicit the Rooting reflex by stroking a baby's cheek.
  • Visual 3: Photograph illustrating the strong grip of the Palmar grasp reflex.
  • Visual 4: Short video clip showing the characteristic toe movement of the Babinski reflex.
Clinical Relevance
  • Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Assessment and identification of primitive neonatal reflexes as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
  • Assessing neonatal reflexes is a fundamental part of the newborn physical examination. It provides a non-invasive way to evaluate the maturity and function of the central nervous system (CNS).
  • An absent, weak, or asymmetrical reflex can be an early sign of a neurological problem, such as CNS depression, nerve damage (like a brachial plexus injury with an asymmetric Moro reflex), or prematurity.
  • The persistence of a reflex beyond the age it should have disappeared can also indicate neurological issues, requiring further investigation.
How to Approach the Question
  • This is a 'match the following' question. The goal is to connect each item in List-I with its correct description in List-II.
  • Start with the reflex you are most confident about. For example, if you know the Rooting reflex is related to feeding, find its description (turning the head to a touch on the cheek). This is B-1.
  • Next, identify another reflex, like the Palmar grasp. You know this involves gripping. Find its description (grasping a finger). This is C-4.
  • With B-1 and C-4 identified, look at the options. Only one option, 'A-2, B-1, C-4, D-3', contains both of these correct pairs.
  • Confirm the remaining matches (A-2 and D-3) to be certain. Moro (A) is the startle reflex (2), and Babinski (D) is the foot reflex (3).
  • This systematic process of elimination and confirmation helps you arrive at the correct answer efficiently.
Concept Tested & Keywords
  • Concept Tested: Assessment and identification of primitive neonatal reflexes.
  • Stem keywords: Moro reflex, Rooting reflex, Palmar grasp reflex, Babinski reflex, Neonatal reflex
  • Lead-in keywords: Match
  • Negative lead-in flag: false

Question ID

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