Development: protective reflexes: 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 · Development: protective reflexes

Sample item

Which protective reflex appears at about 8 to 9 months and persists throughout life?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Parachute reflex

The parachute reflex is the extension of the arms when the infant is held prone and suddenly lowered. It appears at 8 to 9 months and does not disappear. Absence is a sign of delayed motor maturation or cerebral palsy.

Option by option

  • A. Asymmetric tonic neck reflex

    The asymmetric tonic neck reflex disappears by 6 months.

  • B. Parachute reflex (correct)

    Correct. The parachute reflex appears at 8 to 9 months and persists.

  • C. Palmar grasp

    The palmar grasp fades by 4 to 6 months.

  • D. Moro reflex

    Moro disappears by 3 to 6 months.

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.

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Questions about this Pediatrics question

What is the answer to this Pediatrics question?

The best answer is B, Parachute reflex. The parachute reflex is the extension of the arms when the infant is held prone and suddenly lowered.

Why is "Asymmetric tonic neck reflex" not the answer?

The asymmetric tonic neck reflex disappears by 6 months.

Why is "Palmar grasp" not the answer?

The palmar grasp fades by 4 to 6 months.

Why is "Moro reflex" not the answer?

Moro disappears by 3 to 6 months.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Development: protective reflexes in Pediatrics. It appears at 8 to 9 months and does not disappear. Absence is a sign of delayed motor maturation or cerebral palsy.

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 Development: protective reflexes?

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.