NCLEX-PN

●​ Primitive Reflexes : These are present at birth and usually disappear as the infant grows. The persistence of primitive reflexes beyond the expected timeframe can indicate neurological deficits. Some common primitive reflexes include: ●​ Rooting Reflex : When a baby's cheek is stroked, they turn their head toward the side being touched and start sucking. ●​ Sucking Reflex : Babies suck on objects that come into contact with their mouth, such as nipples or fingers. ●​ Tonic Neck Reflex : Also known as the fencing reflex , the baby's body takes on a "fencer's position" when their head is turned to the side. ●​ Grasp Reflex : Newborns instinctively grasp objects placed in their palms. ●​ Moro Reflex : A sudden noise or jolt causes the baby to jerk, extend their limbs, and move their arms upward. ●​ Step Reflex : When the soles of a baby's feet touch a surface, they mimic walking movements. ●​ Long-Term Reflexes : These reflexes persist throughout a person's life and contribute to everyday motor functions. Some important long-term reflexes include: ●​ Pupil Reflex : Also called pupillary reflex, this involves the constriction of pupils in response to light and their dilation in response to darkness. ●​ Plantar Reflex : When the sole of the foot is stroked, the normal response is for the toes to curl downward. The Babinski sign, where the big toe extends upward, can be indicative of neurological issues. ●​ Biceps, Triceps, and Patellar Reflexes : These reflexes involve tapping specific tendons to observe the corresponding muscle contractions. ●​ Gag Reflex : Stimulating the back of the mouth triggers the gag reflex. ●​ Sneeze, Blinking, Cough, and Yawn Reflexes : These reflexes are vital for maintaining the health and safety of the respiratory and sensory systems. ➢ ​ Twelve Cranial Nerves : The assessment of the twelve cranial nerves is a vital component of a comprehensive neurological examination. These nerves play a crucial role in various sensory and motor functions related to the head and neck. To help remember the order of the cranial nerves, the mnemonic " On Old Olympus Tippy Top, A Fat Armed German View A Hop " is often used. Let's take a closer look at each of the twelve cranial nerves, along with their classifications and functions: It's important to assess all reflexes bilaterally to identify any disparities between the right and left sides.

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