Which technique is used to elicit the Moro reflex?

Which technique is used to elicit the Moro reflex?

• A. Stroke the bottom of the feet
• B. Hold the infant on his back and allow his head and trunk to drop back a short distance
• C. Perform a sharp handclap beside his ear
• D. Hold him vertically, allowing one foot to touch a surface

Answer: (B)

The Moro reflex is a neonatal startle response that appears soon after birth and indicates intact nervous and motor pathways in the infant. To test it, the infant is placed on his back in a supported, supine position, and the head and trunk are allowed to fall back a short distance. This sudden change in position triggers a symmetric response: the arms abduct and extend, then flex and come toward the body, often with crying. The reflex is normally present at birth and typically disappears by about 4 to 6 months as the nervous system matures. While a loud sound can also startle the infant and provoke a similar reaction, the described method of letting the head drop back is the classic way to elicit the Moro reflex in this context.

The Moro reflex is a neonatal startle response that appears soon after birth and indicates intact nervous and motor pathways in the infant. To test it, the infant is placed on his back in a supported, supine position, and the head and trunk are allowed to fall back a short distance. This sudden change in position triggers a symmetric response: the arms abduct and extend, then flex and come toward the body, often with crying. The reflex is normally present at birth and typically disappears by about 4 to 6 months as the nervous system matures. While a loud sound can also startle the infant and provoke a similar reaction, the described method of letting the head drop back is the classic way to elicit the Moro reflex in this context.