When newborns cheeks are stroked they will turn their heads in the direction of the stimulus. This explains which reflex?
a. Sucking
b. Swallowing
c. Rooting
d. APGAR
Rooting?
Yes, rooting.
The correct answer is c. Rooting.
To arrive at this answer, we first need to understand the characteristics of each reflex option.
a. Sucking: This reflex refers to the automatic response of a newborn to suck on objects that touch their lips or mouth. This reflex assists with feeding.
b. Swallowing: Swallowing is a voluntary action that involves the movement of food or liquid from the mouth to the stomach. It is not an involuntary reflex.
c. Rooting: Rooting is an automatic reflex that newborns exhibit when their cheeks or the corners of their mouths are stroked or touched. As a response to this stimulus, the newborn turns their head in the direction of the source to allow for breastfeeding or bottle-feeding.
d. APGAR: The APGAR score is a quick assessment tool used to evaluate the overall health of a newborn after birth. It assesses Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, and Respiration.
Given the information provided, the most appropriate reflex that explains the behavior of newborns turning their heads in response to cheek stimulation is the rooting reflex (option c).