Growth and development: ATNR and parachute reflex: practice question

A Pediatrics question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Pediatrics · Growth and development: ATNR and parachute reflex

Sample item

Which statement about primitive and postural reflexes is correct?

AThe parachute reflex appears at birth and persists for life as a primitive reflexBATNR persists normally until 3 yearsCATNR appears at 9 months and the parachute reflex disappears at 6 monthsDATNR disappears by about 6 months and the parachute reflex appears at 8 to 9 months

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. ATNR disappears by about 6 months and the parachute reflex appears at 8 to 9 months

The asymmetric tonic neck reflex fades by about 6 months, whereas the parachute reflex appears at 8 to 9 months and persists for life. Absence of the parachute reflex by 10 months suggests a motor problem.

Option by option

A. The parachute reflex appears at birth and persists for life as a primitive reflex
The parachute reflex is a postural reflex that appears at 8 to 9 months.
B. ATNR persists normally until 3 years
ATNR does not persist to 3 years in healthy children.
C. ATNR appears at 9 months and the parachute reflex disappears at 6 months
This inverts the timing of the two reflexes.
D. ATNR disappears by about 6 months and the parachute reflex appears at 8 to 9 months (correct)
Correct. This gives the right timing for both reflexes.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

Questions about this Pediatrics question

What is the answer to this Pediatrics question?

The best answer is D, ATNR disappears by about 6 months and the parachute reflex appears at 8 to 9 months. The asymmetric tonic neck reflex fades by about 6 months, whereas the parachute reflex appears at 8 to 9 months and persists for life.

Why is "The parachute reflex appears at birth and persists for life as a prim…" not the answer?

The parachute reflex is a postural reflex that appears at 8 to 9 months.

Why is "ATNR persists normally until 3 years" not the answer?

ATNR does not persist to 3 years in healthy children.

Why is "ATNR appears at 9 months and the parachute reflex disappears at 6 mon…" not the answer?

This inverts the timing of the two reflexes.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Growth and development: ATNR and parachute reflex in Pediatrics. Absence of the parachute reflex by 10 months suggests a motor problem.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Growth and development: ATNR and parachute reflex?

Memorise milestones and the vaccine schedule as tables and revise them often. Then use the flashcards and the other Pediatrics questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.