👣 Babinski Reflex & Infant Reflexes: What Nurses Must Know for the NCLEX

Primitive reflexes in infants help assess neurological development and maturity. On the NCLEX, you’ll be tested on:

• When reflexes should appear

• When they should disappear (integrate)

• What abnormal persistence or absence may indicate

This KOTC breakdown gives you a fast, visual reference to master each one—especially the Babinski reflex, which is normal in infants but abnormal in adults.

📊 NCLEX Reflex Chart

Reflex	Appears	Disappears	Description
Babinski	At birth	~12 months	Toes fan out when sole is stroked
Moro (Startle)	Birth	4–6 months	Arms extend then flex after loud noise
Rooting	Birth	4 months	Turns head toward cheek stroke
Palmar Grasp	Birth	5–6 months	Grasps object in palm
Plantar Grasp	Birth	9–12 months	Toes curl when sole is touched
Tonic Neck	Birth	5–7 months	“Fencing” posture with head turn
Stepping	Birth	2 months	Stepping motion when feet touch surface

🧪 Nursing Assessment Tips

• Babinski Reflex:
  ✅ Normal in babies under 1 year
  ❌ Abnormal in toddlers, adults — suggests neuro problem

• Absent Reflexes at Birth may indicate prematurity or neurological insult

• Persistent Reflexes may signal cerebral palsy or other developmental delays

🩺 NCLEX-Style Scenario

A 10-month-old shows fanning toes when the sole is stroked. How does the nurse interpret this?

✅ Answer: Normal Babinski reflex (expected under 12 months).

💡 Mnemonic: “Some Reflexes Please Return To Proper Steps”

S – Stepping
R – Rooting
P – Palmar Grasp
R – Reflex (Moro)
T – Tonic Neck
P – Plantar Grasp
S – Splaying = Babinski

🏁 Final Thoughts

Understanding primitive reflexes is essential for safe pediatric care and NCLEX prep. The Babinski reflex stands out because it’s normal in infants—but a red flag later in life. Study these reflexes the KOTC way for full confidence.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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