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.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
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.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Always infantize the child
Incorrect Explanation: "Infantizing" a child with a growth hormone deficiency is not a relevant or appropriate approach.
Explanation: Growth hormone deficiency is a medical condition that affects a child's growth. Treating the child as an infant could potentially have negative psychological and social effects. It's important to provide appropriate support and understanding without treating the child differently due to their medical condition.
B. Monitor for leukemia
Incorrect Explanation: Monitoring for leukemia is not directly related to growth hormone deficiency.
Explanation: Growth hormone deficiency primarily affects a child's growth and development due to inadequate production of growth hormone. While there might be certain health concerns associated with the condition, monitoring for leukemia is not a common aspect of managing growth hormone deficiency.
C. Help the parents set realistic goals based on the child's age and abilities
Correct Explanation: This is an important aspect to include in teaching.
Explanation: When a child is diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency, it's crucial for parents to set realistic expectations regarding their child's growth. Growth hormone therapy can help, but it's essential to understand that the child's growth might still differ from their peers. Setting realistic goals based on the child's age and abilities can help manage expectations and provide appropriate support.
D. This illness is only seen in males
Incorrect Explanation: Growth hormone deficiency is not limited to males.
Explanation: Growth hormone deficiency can affect individuals of any gender. It is not exclusive to males. The condition results from insufficient production of growth hormone by the pituitary gland, and it can occur in both males and females.
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