Newborn Assessment: Eliciting Newborn Reflexes (Active Learning Template - Nursing Skill, RM MN RN 10.0 Chp 23)
a- Moro reflex: Elicit by allowing the head and trunk of the newborn in a semisitting position to fall backward to an angle of at least 30°. The newborn will symmetrically extend and then abduct the arms at the elbows and fingers spread to form a "C"
b- Tonic neck reflex (fencer position): With newborn in supine, neutral position, examiner turns newborn's head quickly to one side. The newborn's arm and leg on that side extend and opposing arm and leg flex.
c- Babinski reflex: Elicit by stroking outer edge of sole of the foot, moving up toward toes. Toes will fan upward and out