Physical Examination of the Newborn: In a Nutshell (Nursing)

00:01 So now, let's review all of the assessments for the newborn in a nutshell.

00:07 Fetal heart rate and respiratory rate must be counted for a full minute to obtain an accurate result.

00:13 Newborns may experience periods of apnea, but they should never last longer than 20 seconds.

00:19 We want to always assess the infant in a cephalocaudal progression so we don't miss out on any, any organs or systems.

00:27 We want to observe the head for symmetry, masses.

00:31 We're going to palpate for molding, caput, or cephalohematoma.

00:35 We're going to observe the nares for flaring and potency.

00:39 We're going to ensure that the hard and soft palate are intact.

00:43 We want to palpate the clavicle for signs of crepitus.

00:47 We'll examine extremities for masses, range of motion, and extra digits.

00:54 The nurse should observe the abdomen for signs of distress.

00:58 Also palpate the abdomen for tenderness and auscultation the abdomen for bowel sounds.

01:03 Although, that should be done prior to any physical assessment of the abdomen.

01:08 Female genitalia may appear edematous and pseudo menses may be present, and we should let the parents know about that.

01:16 We should assess the scrotum to be sure the testes have descended.

01:21 Ortolani and Barlo technique may be used to check for hip dislocation and dysplasia.

01:26 Although this assessment will be performed by the provider.

01:30 The New Ballard Scale can be used to assess the physical and neurological age of the newborn during the first four days of life when gestational age is not otherwise known.

01:41 If the parents elect for a baby to have a circumcision, they must sign a consent.

01:46 The nurse should offer comfort strategies during the circumcision and monitor for signs of bleeding, micturition, voiding, and infection afterwards.

01:56 All newborns should receive a newborn screen, a hearing test, and a cardiovascular test prior to discharge.

02:03 Newborns typically lose about 5% of their body weight within the first few days of life, but any loss of more than 7% should be evaluated.

02:12 Infants will double their birth weight after six months and triple their birth weight after one year.

02:19 And parents should report a newborn who was lethargic, not eating, has a fever greater than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or an unexplained rash to the provider.

02:32 All done.