At a 9-month well-child visit, which of the following findings would be considered ABNORMAL and warrant further evaluation?

• A Absent Moro reflex
• B Presence of the plantar (Babinski) response
• C Persistence of an easily elicitable Moro reflex ✓
• D Absent parachute reflex

Explanation

The Moro reflex normally disappears by 3 to 4 months, and persistence beyond 6 months suggests an upper motor neuron lesion such as cerebral palsy. The plantar extensor response is physiological up to 12 to 24 months because of immature myelination, so option B is normal. The parachute reflex appears around 8 to 9 months and may be just emerging at this visit, so its absence alone at exactly 9 months is less definitive than a persisting Moro.

Reference: Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, 21st ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.