Examination of the Neonate

Question 1

when should examination of the newborn be carried out

Answer 1

within first 24 hours of life

Question 2

list some examination findings on newborn head

Answer 2

forceps marks
overlapping sutures
moulding

Question 3

describe cephalhaematoma

Answer 3

usually bilateral subperiosteal haematoma occurring under the skin, no harm but can cause pooling of blood from damaged vessels

Question 4

describe caput succedaneum

Answer 4

swelling and oedema in the top/back part of the skull from birth, reduces quickly

Question 5

list examination findings in the eyes

Answer 5

red reflex present
conjunctival haemorrhage - must not miss
squints
iris abnormality

Question 6

list examination findings in the mouth

Answer 6

shape
philtrum
tongue tie 
cleft lip or palate 
neonatal teeth - requires removal 
epsteins pearls - keratin lumps on inside of mouth

Question 7

what facial features are suggestive of facial palsy

Answer 7

absence of nasolabial folds on one side

Question 8

list possible findings on resp examination

Answer 8

nasal flaring, grunting, tachypnoea, in drawing

Question 9

list possible findings on cardio examination

Answer 9

measure oxygen sats, pulse, apex beat
heart sounds - tetralogy of fallot
heaves and thrills

Question 10

list findings on GI exam

Answer 10

distension, hernias, bile stained vomit
check passing of meconium
anus developed correctly with no fistulas

Question 11

list findings on GU exam

Answer 11

normal passage of urine, testes descended correctly, normal genitalia
hypospadius - hole not at bottom of penis

Question 12

list MSK examination

Answer 12

movement and posture
limbs and digits
spinal exam
hip examination for DDH

Question 13

list findings on neuro examination

Answer 13

responsiveness
tone - floppy baby
posture
primitive reflexes