What reflex absence should a nurse report after 8 hours of phototherapy for hyperbilirubinemia?

The absence of the Moro reflex after 8 hours of phototherapy for hyperbilirubinemia is significant and should be reported for several reasons. The Moro reflex, also known as the startle reflex, is an important indicator of neurological function in neonates. It typically emerges around 28 weeks gestation and is expected to be present in healthy infants by the end of the first month of life.

After 8 hours of phototherapy, one would expect that the infant's neurological status should remain stable, and the presence of the Moro reflex is a reassuring sign that the brain is functioning adequately. If this reflex is absent, it could indicate potential neurological impairment or distress, which requires further evaluation and monitoring by the healthcare team.

In contrast, the rooting reflex may not be as critical to report at that specific time frame, as it can be affected by several factors, including the infant's level of alertness and feeding cues. Similarly, grasp reflexes and sucking reflexes can vary more widely depending on the infant's maturity and current feeding status. While they are important for assessing developmental progress, their absence is not necessarily as alarming as a completely absent Moro reflex, which is more indicative of a potential underlying issue.