When the cheek of a new-born is touched along the side of the mouth, the neonate will turn to a side. This reflex is known as?

Appeared in: IGNOU PB Bsc Nsg Entrance-2017

Explanation

The rooting reflex is an involuntary response in newborns essential for feeding.
It is triggered when the corner of the baby's mouth or cheek is stroked or touched.
The baby's response is to turn their head toward the stimulus and open their mouth, preparing to suck.
This reflex helps the infant locate the breast or bottle nipple to begin feeding.
It is a key component of the neonatal neurological assessment and typically disappears by 4 months of age.

Option A: The Moro reflex is a startle response to a sudden loss of support or a loud noise, not a response to touching the cheek.
Option C: The startle reflex is a response to a sudden, loud noise, causing the baby to flex their arms and legs. It is not triggered by tactile stimulation of the face.
Option D: The Glabellar reflex is elicited by tapping the glabella (the area between the eyebrows), which causes the baby to blink.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Newborn Primitive Reflexes as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Assessing primitive reflexes like the rooting reflex is a fundamental part of the newborn physical examination to evaluate neurological function and development.
An absent or weak rooting reflex can be a sign of prematurity, neurological injury, illness, or central nervous system depression from maternal medication.
Nurses educate new parents about these reflexes, explaining that they are normal and will disappear as the baby matures. This helps alleviate anxiety and promotes understanding of infant development.

How to Approach the Question

First, carefully read the question to identify the specific stimulus and response being described.
The stimulus is 'cheek of a new-born is touched along the side of the mouth'.
The response is 'the neonate will turn to a side'.
Next, recall the definitions of the primitive reflexes listed in the options.
Evaluate each option: Moro and Startle are related to sudden noises/movements, and Glabellar is a blink reflex from a forehead tap.
The Rooting reflex perfectly matches the stimulus (touching the cheek/mouth) and response (turning toward the touch) described in the question.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Text Book Of Pediatric Nursing 3rd Panchali Pal — Part 1 (pp 36-238 of 713) p. 155-157

E6 Kaplan Sadock's Synopsis of Psychiatry-2022 (pp 1-3768 of 3768) p. 2792-2794

E6 Anatomy Grays 43e Vol 1 Part 2 p. 97-99

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