Study note

Neonatal temperature measurement and asymmetric tonic neck response

THE CONTEXT

The target material describes axillary temperature measurement and separately describes an infant reflex.

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Axillary temperature measurement is preferred because it is safer than rectal measurement.

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Digital thermometers are used; mercury thermometers have been phased out.

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Place the thermometer bulb on the roof of the dry axilla, parallel to the trunk. Hold the baby’s arm close to the body until the thermometer beeps.

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Head rotation elicits extension of the upper extremity on the face side and flexion of the upper extremity on the opposite side.

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This reflex disappears by four months.

NEETx

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