initial examination of the newborn Flashcards
principles of newborn examination
explain procedure and gain consent
wash and dry hands to minimise risk of infection
gloves worn if baby hasn’t bathed
good lighting to allow clear visuals
keep baby warm
describe head examinations
palpate the skull = suture lines, fontanelles and skull bones
measure head circumference using the occipitofrontal circumference
state what we are looking for in head examinations
obvious signs of distortion
moulding
caput succedaneum
celphalohematoma
asymmetrical
bruising
describe caput succedaneum
swelling/oedema between scalp and periosteum
describe celphalohematoma
collection of blood under periosteum of a skull bone
why do we look for bruising and what causes it
it may increase the chance of physiological jaundice
water being broken manually by amnhook
fetal scalp electrode
what is a normal head circumference
33-35.5cm
describe a face examination
symmetry
size and position of the eyes, nose and mouth
chin and ears in relation to eachother
describe an eye examinations
two present
assess size, shape and any slanting
pupils round
what are we looking for with an eye examination
discharge could indicate infection
pupils keyhole shape could indicate an underlying retinal defect
describe a nose examination
shape of the nose
width the bridge
what are we looking for in a nose examination
nostrils flaring could be indicative of a respiratory illness
describe a mouth examination
lips formed, symmetrical
length of frenulum
what are we looking for in a mouth examination
asymmetry = facial palsy
small mouth may be due to micrognathia = underlying abnormalities
presence of a cleft lip
presence of white spots on gums/palate
describe an ear examination
contain cartilage to allow ears spring back into position
pinna well formed
