Physical Examination

Picture of a physician listening to a newborn

A complete physical examination is an important part of newborn care. Each body system is carefully examined for signs of health and normal function. The physician also looks for any signs of illness or birth defects. Physical examination of a newborn often includes assessment of the following:

Vital signs:
- Temperature - able to maintain stable body temperature 98.6° F (37° C) in normal room environment
- Pulse - normally 120 to160 beats per minute
- Breathing rate - normally 30 to 60 breaths per minute
General appearance - physical activity, tone, posture, and level of consciousness
Skin - color, texture, nails, presence of rashes
Head and neck:
- Appearance, shape, presence of molding (shaping of the head from passage through the birth canal)
- Fontanels (the open "soft spots" between the bones of the baby's skull)
- Clavicles (bones across the upper chest)
Face - eyes, ears, nose, cheeks. Presence of red reflex in the eyes.
Mouth - palate, tongue, throat
Lungs - breath sounds, breathing pattern
Heart sounds and femoral (in the groin) pulses
Abdomen - presence of masses or hernias
Genitals and anus - for open passage of urine and stool
Nerves - reflexes(Moro reflex), cranial nerves, abnormal (or lack of) movements.
Arms and legs - movement and development

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