The nurse is doing a neurologic assessment on a 2-month-old infant after a car accident. Moro, tonic neck, and withdrawal reflexes are present. The nurse should recognize that these reflexes are:
Symptomatic of decorticate posturing
Symptomatic of decerebrate posturing
Indicators of severe brain damage
Normal Findings
The Correct Answer is D
Reflexes play a crucial role in evaluating the neurological status of infants.
Moro reflex: Also known as the startle reflex, the Moro reflex is a normal response in infants. It occurs when an infant is startled by a sudden noise or movement. The baby responds by extending their arms and legs, followed by a quick contraction. This reflex usually disappears around 4-6 months of age.
Tonic neck reflex (fencer's reflex): This reflex involves turning an infant's head to one side, causing the arm on that side to extend and the opposite arm to flex. It's a normal reflex that typically disappears around 4-6 months of age.
Withdrawal reflex: The withdrawal reflex is a normal response to a stimulus, such as touching a baby's foot with a cold object. The baby will pull their leg away in response to the stimulus.
Symptomatic of decorticate or decerebrate posturing (options A and B):
Decorticate and decerebrate posturing are abnormal postures seen in individuals with severe brain damage or injury. Decorticate posturing involves the arms being flexed and held close to the body, while decerebrate posturing involves the arms being extended and the wrists being pronated. These reflexes are typically indicative of significant neurological dysfunction and are not expected in a 2-month-old infant after a car accident.
Indicators of severe brain damage (option C):
The reflexes described (Moro, tonic neck, and withdrawal reflexes) are not indicative of severe brain damage in a 2-month-old infant. These reflexes are normal for an infant of this age and are part of their typical neurological development.
Normal findings (option D):
The reflexes described are normal findings in a 2-month-old infant and are expected as part of their developmental milestones.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Maintain a saline-lock:
Maintaining a saline lock is important for potential intravenous access, but it is not the most urgent priority compared to actions that directly monitor the child's condition and help manage the disease.
B. Check the child's daily weight:
Monitoring daily weight is crucial in acute glomerulonephritis, as it helps assess fluid balance and detect early signs of fluid retention or worsening kidney function, which are key concerns in this condition. This makes it a priority action.
C. Place the child on a no-salt-added diet:
While dietary modifications can be important for managing various health conditions, including kidney issues, this is not the top priority in this situation. Reducing salt intake can help manage fluid retention, but it is not the nurse's priority action at this moment.
D. Educate the parents about potential complications:
Patient education is crucial, especially in chronic conditions, but in this acute care scenario, the nurse's immediate priority is to address the child's needs. Educating parents about potential complications should be done, but it's not the most immediate action.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Can always track an object with eyes:
The ability to track an object with the eyes typically develops in infants around 2 to 3 months of age. This developmental milestone is not specific to cerebral palsy and is generally expected in healthy infants.
B. Needs support with pillow props for sitting
Explanation:
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of permanent movement disorders that appear in early childhood. It is caused by abnormal development or damage to the parts of the brain that control movement, balance, and posture. The symptoms of cerebral palsy can vary widely, but they are generally related to motor function and coordination.
The manifestation of needing support with pillow props for sitting is consistent with the motor impairments often seen in cerebral palsy. Children with cerebral palsy may have difficulties with muscle control and coordination, which can affect their ability to sit independently. The need for external support to maintain a sitting position is indicative of motor developmental delays or challenges associated with cerebral palsy.
C. Uses a pincer grasp to pick up a toy:
The pincer grasp, where a child uses the thumb and index finger to pick up small objects, usually develops around 9 to 12 months of age. This developmental milestone is not directly associated with cerebral palsy and is part of normal infant development.
D. Smiles when a parent appears:
Smiling in response to familiar faces, including parents, is a social and emotional developmental milestone that typically occurs around 2 to 3 months of age. While cerebral palsy can affect motor function, it does not directly impact an infant's ability to express emotions like smiling.
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