The Moro's reflex present at birth disappears by:

IGNOU PB Bsc Entrance-2023

Child Health Nursing (Pediatrics)

Easy

Appeared in: IGNOU PB Bsc Entrance-2023

Explanation

The Moro reflex, also known as the startle reflex, is a primitive reflex that normally disappears by 4 to 5 months of age.
This disappearance, referred to as integration, happens as the infant's central nervous system matures and voluntary motor control develops.
The reflex is characterized by the infant symmetrically extending and abducting the arms, then bringing them back to the midline, often accompanied by crying.
According to developmental milestones, the Moro reflex, along with the grasp and tonic neck reflexes, should disappear by the fourth month in a healthy child.

Option A: The Moro reflex is at its peak strength during the first month of life, not disappearing.
Option B: The reflex is still actively present at two months, although it may begin to weaken slightly.
Option C: Persistence of the Moro reflex at six months is considered an abnormal finding and is a red flag for neurological delay.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Timeline of primitive reflexes in infants, specifically the Moro reflex as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses routinely assess primitive reflexes, including the Moro reflex, during newborn and infant examinations to evaluate the integrity and development of the central nervous system.
An asymmetrical Moro reflex (one side responds differently than the other) is a key finding that can indicate a potential birth injury, such as a fractured clavicle or brachial plexus damage, requiring prompt investigation.
Documentation of the presence, symmetry, and eventual disappearance of the Moro reflex is a crucial part of tracking an infant's developmental progress.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core concept of the question, which is the developmental timeline of the 'Moro's reflex'.
This is a factual recall question common in pediatric nursing, requiring knowledge of infant developmental milestones.
Mentally review the typical progression of primitive reflexes: they are present at birth, serve a purpose, and then 'integrate' or disappear as higher brain functions develop.
Evaluate each option against this timeline. One and two months are too early for disappearance. Six months is the point where its continued presence is considered abnormal.
Select the option that aligns with the standard timeframe for the Moro reflex to fade away, which is between the third and fifth month.
Therefore, 'Four to five months' is the most accurate answer representing the normal disappearance of the reflex.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Timeline of primitive reflexes in infants, specifically the Moro reflex.
Stem keywords: Moro's reflex, disappears, birth
Lead-in keywords: BEST, MOST RELEVANT CLUE
Negative lead-in flag: false

Q5IqRTKQzfuxOjzkJDDSzE

E6 Kaplan Sadock's Synopsis of Psychiatry-2022 (pp 1-3768 of 3768) p. 2790-2792

E6 Comprehensive Textbook of Community Health NursingShyamala D part 1 (pp 26-389 of 389) p. 301-303