Health Promotion and Maintenance
10. In assessing the reflexes of a 15-month-old child, which finding would indicate that the child is experiencing normal development?
Health Promotion and Maintenance
10. In assessing the reflexes of a 15-month-old child, which finding would indicate that the child is experiencing normal development?
. Positive Babinski reflex.
. Asymmetric tonic neck reflex.
. Positive patellar reflex.
. Presence of doll's eye reflex.
Test-Taking Tip
Make sure to note when the stem of a question asks you to identify the normal finding or the abnormal finding. In this question, three options would be abnormal since they are newborn reflexes. Recall that a 15-month-old should have the same reflexes as an adult, including a positive patellar reflex.
Content Area: Child Health, Neurological; Integrated Process: Nursing Process, Assessment; Cognitive Level: Application; Client Need/Subneed: Health Promotion and Maintenance/Developmental Stages and Transitions
Health Promotion and Maintenance
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Answer 1 is incorrect because the Babinski reflex is a normal newborn reflex. This reflex should disappear well before the child reaches 15 months of age, and its persistence should be considered abnormal. Answer 2 is incorrect because the tonic neck reflex is a normal newborn reflex. This reflex should disappear well before the child reaches 15 months of age, and its persistence should be considered abnormal. Answer 3 is correct because a positive patellar reflex is part of a normal assessment. The reflex is obtained when the practitioner strikes the patellar tendon, causing the leg to kick. Answer 4 is incorrect because the doll's eye reflex is a normal newborn reflex. This reflex should disappear well before the child reaches 15 months of age, and its persistence should be considered abnormal.