Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment
Which of the following describes the Moro reflex?
An infant's heart rate decreases secondary to hypoxia because he or she depends heavily on the heart rate to perfuse the body
The neonate opens his or her arms wide, spreads his or her fingers, and seems to grasp at something after being startled
When something touches a neonate's cheek, he or she instinctively turns his or her head toward the touch
When the sole of the foot is stroked with a blunt object, the big toe lifts upward and the other toes fan outward
The correct answer is: An infant's heart rate decreases secondary to hypoxia because he or she depends heavily on the heart rate to perfuse the body
The Moro reflex is a reflex seen in infants that causes them to react to sudden movements or stimulation. This reflex is an involuntary response and is commonly referred to as the "startle reflex". Option A is incorrect because it describes the diving reflex instead of the Moro reflex. Options B, C, and D are incorrect because they describe other common infant reflexes, such as the grasp reflex, rooting reflex, and Babinski reflex, respectively.