Pediatric ATI Practice Exam

During a physical assessment of a 6-month-old infant, which reflex should the nurse expect to observe?

1. Stepping

2. Babinski

3. Extrusion

4. Moro

The correct answer is: Babinski

In a physical assessment of a 6-month-old infant, observing the Babinski reflex is considered appropriate. The Babinski reflex is a neurological response in which an infant’s toes fan out when the sole of the foot is stroked. This reflex typically appears at birth and usually disappears by the age of 2 years, making it a relevant checkpoint in assessing neurological development in infants. The Babinski reflex is significant as it indicates that the central nervous system is functioning properly. While other reflexes such as the stepping reflex can still be present in infants, it is not as frequently observed at 6 months. The Moro reflex, a startle response, is typically expected to diminish and usually disappears by the age of 4 to 6 months. The extrusion reflex, which involves the infant pushing food out of their mouth with their tongue, is often present during the first few months but usually fades as the infant begins solid foods around 4 to 6 months. Thus, the presence of the Babinski reflex at 6 months signifies appropriate development, making it the correct answer to expect during the assessment of the infant.