Newborn Baby Assessment NIPE OSCE Guide
Newborn Baby Assessment NIPE OSCE Guide
Newborn Baby Assessment NIPE OSCE Guide
geekymedics.com/newborn-baby-assessment/
Download the NIPE PDF OSCE checklist, or use our interactive OSCE checklist. You may
also be interested in our paediatric growth assessment guide or our paediatric growth chart
interpretation and documentation guide.
Background
The Newborn Infant Physical Examination (NIPE) must be performed within 72 hours of
birth by a qualified practitioner.¹
To screen for congenital abnormalities that will benefit from early intervention
To make referrals for further tests or treatment as appropriate
To provide reassurance to the parents
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The room should be warm and well lit (preferably natural light, especially if jaundice is to be
assessed).² Visual inspection, however, cannot reliably assess the level of jaundice so if this
is suspected a bilirubin level needs to be checked. ³
You’ll ideally require a changing mat to carry out the examination on.
Always make sure that the parents are present for the newborn check as this is an ideal time
to answer queries and provide reassurance.
You might also be interested in our OSCE Flashcard Collection which contains over 2000
flashcards that cover clinical examination, procedures, communication skills and data
interpretation.
Introduction
Wash your hands and don PPE if appropriate (alcohol gel must dry completely before
handling the newborn).
Briefly explain what the examination will involve using patient-friendly language: “Today I
need to carry out a routine head to toe examination of your child.”
Parents should have received the National Screening Committee leaflet ‘Screening
tests for you and your baby’ in the antenatal period.
If the parents have not read the information booklet they must be given a copy to read
before to the examination.
The aims and limitations of the examination should be fully explained.
Adequately expose the child for the assessment: ask the parents to undress the child
down to their nappy.
Encourage the parents to ask questions during the check and to participate where
appropriate.
The optimal way to perform the newborn check is by examining from head to toe
sequentially. In reality, it’s an opportunistic examination – if the baby is settled listen to
their heart first, if they open their eyes check the fundal reflexes and if they’re crying look at
the palate!
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Questions to ask the parents
Below are some key points you would ideally cover in a full assessment of a newborn baby. It
should be noted that in the context of an OSCE you are unlikely to be expected to cover all
these history points due to time constraints.
Maternal history:
Newborn history:
Feeding pattern
Urination
Passing of meconium
Parental concerns
Weight
Ensure that the infant’s weight is recorded and check on a weight chart whether the baby
is:
If a baby is small, you should also plot head circumference and length to determine
whether this is symmetrical (small in all measurements) or asymmetrical (weight
disproportionately low, head circumference preserved).
General inspection
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Inspect the colour of the infant:
Pallor: a pale colour of the skin that can suggest underlying anaemia (e.g.
haemorrhage) or poor perfusion (e.g. congestive cardiac failure).
Cyanosis: a bluish discolouration of the skin due to poor circulation (e.g. peripheral
vasoconstriction secondary to hypovolaemia) or inadequate oxygenation of the blood
(e.g. right-to-left cardiac shunting).
Jaundice: a yellowish or greenish pigmentation of the skin and whites of the eyes due
to high bilirubin levels (e.g. newborn jaundice).
Inspect the posture of the infant: note any gross abnormalities of posture (e.g.
hemiparesis/Erb’s palsy).
Jaundice
Erb's palsy
Tone
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Assess tone by gently moving the newborn’s limbs passively and observing the
newborn when they’re picked up (your assessment of tone should continue throughout the
examination).
Hypotonic infants are often described as feeling like a ‘rag doll’ due to their floppiness.
Hypotonic infants often have difficulty feeding, as their mouth muscles cannot maintain a
proper suck-swallow pattern or a good breastfeeding latch (hypotonia is common in children
with Down’s syndrome).
Head
Size
Measure the infant’s head circumference and record it in the notes.
Macrocephaly describes a head that is larger than expected for age and sex. Macrocephaly
may be normal but may also be associated with hydrocephalus, cranial vault abnormalities or
genetic abnormalities.
Shape
Inspect the cranial sutures and note if they are closely applied, widely separated or
normal.
Caput succedaneum is a diffuse subcutaneous fluid collection with poorly defined margins
(often crossing suture lines) caused by pressure on the presenting part of the head during
delivery. It does not usually cause complications and resolves over the first few days. 4
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Subgaleal haemorrhages occur between the aponeurosis of the scalp and periosteum and
form a large, fluctuant collection which crosses sutures lines. They are rare but may cause
life-threatening blood loss.
Craniosynostosis is a condition in which one or more of the fibrous sutures in an infant skull
prematurely fuses, changing the growth pattern of the skull which can result in raised
intracranial pressure and damage to intracranial structures. Surgical intervention is required
with the primary goal being to allow normal cranial vault development to occur. This can be
achieved by excision of the prematurely fused suture and correction of the associated skull
deformities. 7
Fontanelle
Palpate the anterior fontanelle: note if it feels flat (normal), sunken or bulging (abnormal).
Fontanelle abnormalities
A tense bulging fontanelle may suggest raised intracranial pressure (e.g. hydrocephalus).
Microcephaly 2
Craniosynostosis 3
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Sunken fontanelle 4
Skin
It is very important to document any birthmarks or bruising/lacerations from birth trauma
found on initial examination in case there are any child protection concerns in the future.
There are body maps in the red book to help with this.
Colour: inspect the colour of the skin and note any pallor, cyanosis, erythema or jaundice.
Bruising/lacerations: note the location and size of any bruises or lacerations which may
have been sustained during childbirth.
Vernix: a waxy or cheese-like white substance found coating the skin of newborn babies
(this is a normal finding).
Salmon patch (also known as a stork mark or nevus simplex): red or pink patches,
often on an infant’s eyelids, head or neck caused by congenital capillary malformation.
Salmon patches are very common and usually fade by the age of two.
Haemangiomas (also known as strawberry marks): blood vessels which form a raised
red lump on the skin which appears soon after birth. Haemangiomas typically get
bigger over the first 6-12 months and then shrink and disappear by the age of 7. They
may require treatment if they affect vision, breathing or feeding.
Port-wine stain (also known as naevus flammeus): red/purple marks on the face and
neck which are typically present from birth and do not regress. Port-wine stains can
sometimes be associated with Sturge-Weber syndrome and Klippel-Trenaunay
syndrome.
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Milia are tiny white cysts containing keratin and sebaceous material. They are very common
on the face and most resolve within the first few weeks of life.
Erythema toxicum is a very common and benign condition seen in newborn infants. It
presents with various combinations of erythematous macules, papules, and pustules.
Lesions usually appear from 48 hours of age and resolve spontaneously.
Neonatal jaundice can be physiological, appearing at 2-3 days and resolving by day 10. It
can also be caused by a wide range of different pathologies including haemolytic disease,
infection and Gilbert’s syndrome.
Salmon patch 5
Haemangioma
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Vernix 7
Milia
Face
Appearance: note any dysmorphic features of the face (e.g. epicanthic folds in Down’s
syndrome).
Asymmetry: note any asymmetry of the face (e.g. facial nerve palsy secondary to
instrumental delivery).
Trauma: note any evidence of facial trauma (e.g. bruising, lacerations) likely to have
occurred during labour (e.g. instrumental delivery).
Nose: inspect to assess the patency of the nasal passages (infants are obligate nasal
breathers and therefore will present with respiratory distress and cyanosis at rest if they have
bilateral choanal atresia).
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Down's syndrome
Eyes
Inspect the eyes for evidence of erythema or discharge (e.g. conjunctivitis).
Inspect the sclera by gently retracting the lower eyelid noting any discolouration (e.g.
jaundice, subconjunctival haemorrhages). Subconjunctival haemorrhages often look
dramatic but are fairly common after delivery and benign, you should, however, document
their presence.
Inspect the position and shape of the eyes: look for evidence of ptosis or the presence of
epicanthic folds (e.g. Down’s syndrome).
Fundal reflex
Correct terminology
The term fundal reflex is preferred over red reflex as the colour of the healthy reflex varies
depending on a patient’s skin colour.
In patient’s with lighter skin, the reflex typically appears orange-red in colour, whereas in
those with darker skin, the reflex can be yellow-white or even blue in colour.
1. Look through the ophthalmoscope, shining the light towards the patient’s eye at a distance
of approximately one arm’s length.
2. Observe for a reddish/orange reflection in each pupil, caused by light reflecting back from
the vascularised retina.
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Subconjunctival haemorrhage 9
Bacterial conjunctivitis
Fundal reflex
Retinoblastoma
Cataract 10
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Ears
Inspect the pinna: note any asymmetry, skin tags, pits or the presence of accessory
auricles.
All infants should undergo a hearing screening test prior to being discharged from hospital.
Accessory auricle 11
Inspect the tongue and gums: look for evidence of tongue-tie (ankyloglossia).
Ankyloglossia 13
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Neck and clavicles
Inspect the length of the neck and note any abnormalities such as webbing: a
shortened webbed neck is typically associated with Turner’s syndrome.
Inspect for neck lumps: a lump in the left posterior triangle of the neck may represent a
cystic hygroma.
Look for evidence of a clavicular fracture: signs may include bruising, discontinuity of the
clavicle and an abnormal position of the arm (fractures most commonly occur in the context
of shoulder dystocia).
Cystic hygroma
A cystic hygroma is a congenital lymphatic lesion which is typically identified prenatally or at
birth. A cystic hygroma can arise anywhere but typically develops in the left posterior triangle
of the neck. Cystic hygromas are benign but can be disfiguring and typically require surgical
treatment including drainage and use of sclerosing agents to prevent reaccumulation of
lymphatic fluid.
Cystic hygroma 14
Upper limbs
Assess the symmetry of the upper limbs: they should appear equal in size and length.
Inspect the fingers: count the fingers and note any abnormal morphology (e.g. polydactyly).
Inspect the palms: check if the child has two palmar creases (normal).
Palpate the brachial pulse on each upper limb: note any asymmetry suggestive of an
underlying vascular abnormality (e.g. coarctation of the aorta).
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Single palmar crease
Polydactyly 15
Chest
Inspection
Observe the chest, paying particular attention to
the respiratory rate and work of breathing.
Respiratory rate
Count the respiratory rate whilst observing the child. The normal respiratory rate of a
newborn is 40-60 breaths per minute.
Work of breathing
Difficulty feeding
Expiratory grunting
Tracheal tug
Supraclavicular recession
Intercostal recession
Subcostal recession
Nasal flaring
Abdominal breathing
Head bobbing (secondary to sternocleidomastoid contractions)
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Other clinical signs
Auscultation
Lungs
Auscultate each side of the chest in a symmetrical pattern, comparing side to side:
Heart
Auscultate ‘upwards’ through the valve areas using the diaphragm of a paediatric
stethoscope:
Listen over each area with both the bell (for low pitched sounds – gallops and split S2) and
the diaphragm (high pitched sounds – pericardial rubs, S1/S2 and most murmurs).
Pulse oximetry
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Pectus excavatum 16
Pectus carinatum 17
Abdomen
Inspection
Inspect for evidence of abdominal distension: causes include bowel obstruction,
organomegaly and ascites.
Inspect the umbilicus: note any swelling (e.g. umbilical hernia) or erythema and discharge
(e.g. umbilical cord stump infection).
Inspect for evidence of an inguinal hernia in the groin: if present, arrange a paediatric
surgical review.
Palpation
Palpate the abdomen to assess for organomegaly:
Liver: should be palpable no more than 2cm below the costal margin (if palpable lower
in the abdomen consider hepatomegaly).
Spleen: may be palpable at the left costal margin in healthy infants (if easily palpable,
consider splenomegaly).
Kidneys: normally only palpable using deep bimanual palpation (if easily palpable
consider polycystic kidney disease).
Bladder: should not be palpable in healthy infants (if easily palpable, considering
urinary tract obstruction).
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Umbilical hernia
Genitalia
Note any ambiguity of genitalia: typically associated with congenital adrenal hyperplasia
(CAH) in girls (boys with CAH have normal genitalia).
Males
Note the position of the urethral meatus: an abnormal position may be noted in
hypospadias or epispadias.
Note the size of the penis: it should be at least 2cm.
Assess for evidence of testicular swelling indicative of hydrocele: a collection of
fluid around the testicle (the swelling will transilluminate when a light source is placed
nearby).
Palpate the scrotum to ensure both testes are present: a unilateral undescended
testis is common and should be followed up over time; bilateral absence is considered
a disorder of sexual development and should be investigated.
Females
Assessment of female genitalia:
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Hypospadias
Lower limbs
Inspect the lower limbs for abnormalities:
Asymmetry: the lower limbs should appear equal in size and length.
Oedema: may indicate hypoalbuminaemia or congestive cardiac failure.
Ankle deformities: talipes (club foot) is a common ankle deformity causing the foot to
be turned inward.
Missing digits: ensure the correct number of digits are present on each foot.
Assess tone in both lower limbs: tone is typically decreased in infants with Down’s
syndrome and may be asymmetrically increased secondary to upper motor neuron lesions
(e.g. ischaemic stroke, intracranial haemorrhage).
Assess movement in both lower limbs: note any weakness which may indicate an upper
or lower motor neuron lesion or joint pathology.
Palpate and compare femoral pulses: this can be difficult, particularly in an active baby,
and requires practice. Weak, absent or delayed femoral pulses are a sign of coarctation of
the aorta.
Talipes equinovarus 18
Hips
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Both Barlow’s and Ortolani’s tests are carried out as part of the routine newborn
examination to detect hip joint instability and dislocation. Each hip should be examined
individually with all clothing, including the nappy, removed.
Barlow’s test
Barlow’s test is performed by adducting the hip (bringing the thigh towards the midline)
whilst applying light pressure on the knee with your thumb, directing the force
posteriorly. 6
If the hip is unstable, the femoral head will slip over the posterior rim of the
acetabulum, producing a palpable sensation of subluxation or dislocation.
If the hip is dislocatable the test is considered positive. The Ortolani manoeuvre is then
used to confirm the positive finding (i.e. that the hip actually dislocated).
Barlow's test
Barlow's test
Ortolani’s test
2. With your index fingers placing anterior pressure on the greater trochanters, gently and
smoothly abduct the infant’s legs using your thumbs.
A positive sign is a distinctive ‘clunk’ which can be heard and felt as the femoral head
relocates anteriorly into the acetabulum.
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Ortolani test
Ortolani test
Scoliosis
Hair tufts
Naevi
Birthmarks
Sacral pits
Hair tufts and sacral pits can be associated with underlying neural tube defects (e.g.
spina bifida).
Anus
Inspect the anus for patency: abnormal embryological development of the rectum can
result in an imperforate anus.
Reflexes
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Assess a selection of the following reflexes which should all be present in a healthy newborn.
The absence of several reflexes may indicate an underlying neurological abnormality.
When an object is placed in the infant’s hand and strokes their palm, the fingers will close
and they will grasp it with a palmar grasp.8
Sucking reflex
Causes the child to instinctively suck anything that touches the roof of their mouth, absence
of this reflex is most apparent during feeding.
Rooting reflex
Present at birth and disappears around four months of age, as it gradually comes under
voluntary control. A newborn infant will turn its head toward anything that strokes its cheek
or mouth to aid breastfeeding. 9
Stepping reflex
When the soles of the infant’s feet touch a flat surface they will appear to walk by placing one
foot in front of the other.10
Moro reflex
Support the infant’s upper back with one hand, then drop back once or twice into your other
hand. A normal Moro reflex involves the extension of the legs and head whilst the arms jerk
upwards with the fingers extended. The arms are then brought together and the hands
clench into fists, and the infant cries. Asymmetry may be due to hemiparesis, brachial plexus
injury or a fractured clavicle.
Share the results of the assessment with the parents, explaining the reason for any
referrals you feel are required.
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Document your findings and the need for further investigations/referrals: in the UK the
NIPE is documented using a national online system (which you would print and place in the
baby’s notes).
Reviewer
Dr Rebecca Naples
Paediatric Registrar
Illustrator
Aisha Ali
References
Text references
1. Newborn and Infant Physical Examination Screening Programme Handbook 2016/17.
Public Health England. Published April 2016. Retrieved 15 March 2017.
2. Newborn Infant Physical Examination. Nottingham Neonatal Service – Clinical
Guidelines. Published November 2015. Retrieved 15 March 2017.
3. Jaundice in newborn babies under 28 days. NICE guidance. Published May 2010.
Retrieved 15 October 2017. Available from: [LINK].
4. Slater BJ, Lenton KA, Kwan MD, Gupta DM, Wan DC, Longaker MT (April 2008).
“Cranial sutures: a brief review”. Plast. Reconstr. Surg. 121 (4): 170e–8e.
doi:10.1097/01.prs.0000304441.99483.97. PMID 18349596.
5. Circumscribed dermal melanosis (Mongolian spot) (1981) Kikuchi I, Inoue S. in
“Biology and Diseases of Dermal Pigmentation”, University of Tokyo Press, p83
6. French LM, Dietz FR (July 1999). “Screening for developmental dysplasia of the hip”.
American Family Physician. 60 (1): 177–84, 187–8. PMID 10414637.
7. Storer SK, Skaggs DL (October 2006). “Developmental dysplasia of the hip”. American
Family Physician. 74 (8): 1310–6. PMID 17087424.
8. Jakobovits, AA (2009). “Grasping activity in utero: a significant indicator of fetal
behaviour (the role of the grasping reflex in fetal ethology).”. Journal of perinatal
medicine. 37 (5): 571–2. doi:10.1515/JPM.2009.094. PMID 19492927.
9. Odent M. The early expression of the rooting reflex. Proceedings of the 5th
International Congress of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Rome 1977.
London: Academic Press, 1977: 1117-19.
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10. Siegler, R.; Deloache, J.; Eisenberg, N. (2006). How Children Develop. New York:
Worth Publishers. p. 188. ISBN 978-0-7167-9527-8.
Image references
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