Nursing NUR201 Lecture Notes - Lecture 73: Primitive Reflexes, Otoscope, 2008 Kosovo Declaration Of Independence
13 Jun 2016
School
Department
Course
Professor
Document Summary
These reflexes aid newborns to survive while they have limited control over their body. These also provide health clues, which is why assessment of the neuromuscular function is part of the general newborn examination. Specific focus should be given to newborns" alertness, muscle tone and strength, head control, and response to manipulation and handling. Blink reflex is the rapid eye closure exhibited by newborns upon coming of objects near it. Similar with adults, this reflex serves a protective function against hurting the eye. It can be elicited by shining a strong light (e. g. flashlight, otoscope light, etc. ) on the eyes. Blink reflex can also be elicited by a sudden movement of an object towards the eye. This is important in assessing newborns" visual attentiveness: rooting reflex. Brushing the cheek or stroking near the mouth of the newborn will cause the head of the newborn to turn to that direction.
