NEWBORN ASSESSMENT

INTRODUCTION
• Monitoring of neonates is the keynote
to their successful outcome.
• Accurate nursing observation is a vital
factor in the survival and
development future
of newborn.
• The initial physical examination should be
performed as soon as after the birth.
• All newborns should be
thoroughly examined in the first 24-48 hrs
of age.
 DEFINITION:

It is systematic examination (physical and neurological) of

newborn.
•OBJECTIVES
1. To provide an assessment of infant’s state of
development of wellbeing.
2. To detect any deviation from normal.
3. To assess the progress of the child.
• 4. TERMONOLOGIES • Small for gestational age
(SGA)is less than 10% for weight at the time of birth •
Large for gestational age (LGA) is more than 90% for
weight at the time of birth • Appropriate for gestational
age( AGA) is the birth weight between 10-90%
• 5. • FULL TERM: 37 to 42 weeks or 259 to 294 days. •
 NDICATIONS

I• First examination: a detailed one in labor room within 2

hours of birth. • Second examination; Before discharge. •
Third examination: After 6-8 weeks of neonatal life.
 PURPOSE OF EXAMINATION
The overall purposes of new born
examination are to:
 Identify the physical and neurological
characteristics of new born.
 Identify and record evidence of common
neonatal problems and congenital
anomalies.
 Provide a basis for identification of needs
and plan nursing care of new born.
 SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS
To perform thorough skilled examination of newborn, the
following specific instructions should be kept in mind:

1. Observation should be made when newborn is quiet

and awake.

2. Ensure adequate light in examination room.

3. The temperature of the examination room is maintained

at 28 +/- 2 degree C. avoid draft and chills in the
examination room.

4. Wash your hands till elbow for 3 minutes before and

after handling the newborn.
On the basis of time of performing, assessment is of three
types:

1. Immediate assessment of newborn

2. Transitional assessment during period of reactivity

3. Periodic assessment.
 IMMEDIATE ASSESSMENT OF NEW BORN
• For assessment of baby immediately after birth, APGAR
scoring is done.
• APGAR scoring is a quantitative method of
assessing infant’s respiratory , circulatory and
neurological status.
• APGAR scoring is done at 1 min & 5 minutes after birth.
• Maximum APGAR score is 10 & the score of more than
7 is considered satisfactory & indicates absence
of difficulty in adjusting to extra uterine life.
• Score 4-6 : Moderate distress
• 0-3 : Severe distress
PARAMETER 0 1 2

Heart Rate Absent <100 >100

Respiratory Absent Irregular Good, strong

Effort , slow cry
Muscle Tone Limp Some flexion Well flexed
of
extremities

Reflex No Grimace Cry, Sneezes

Irritability response
Color Blue, Pale Body pink, Completely
pink.
extremities
blue
 GUIDELINES FOR ASSESSMENT
• Examination of new born includes
reviewing history, measurements, general
appearance,
vital signs & head to toe assessment
identification for ofphysical characteristics,
characteristics and deviations, if
neurological
any.
• Nurse review’s history from the mother’s records
related to previous and present pregnancy and
labour.
1. INFORMATION RELATED TO PREVIOUS
PREGNANCY:

- Gravida, para, abortions, number of

children, still born.alive

- Nature of previous pregnancy/ies, nature of

puerperium.
2. Information related to present pregnancy:
- LMP & EDD/ period of gestation.
- Parity
- Registered/ unregistered or booked/unbooked case
- Mother’s immunization – tetanus toxoid.
- Nutrition during pregnancy
- Folic acid, calcium and iron supplementation.
- Any history of illness and infections during 1st, 2nd
and 3rd trimester, medications taken or treatment
required viz; PIH, eclampsia, anemia, fever, and
diabetes.
- Blood group, Hb, urine for albumin, sugar.
3. History of Labour:
- Presentation

- Duration of labour (during 1st stage, duration of

2nd stage)
- ROM

- Medication during labour

- Method of delivery
 GENERAL INSPECTION

• Vigorous cry is assuring

• Weak cry
– sepsis, asphyxia, metabolic, narcotic use
• Hoarseness
– Hypocalcemia, airway injury
• High pitch cry
– CNS causes, kernicterus
WHAT TO ASSESS? TECHNIQUE FOR CHARACTERISTICS OF
ASSESSMENT NORMAL NEW BORN
2. SKIN
i) Skin color Observe color of skin Pink color; peripheral
especially of hands, feet cyanosis/acrocyanosis
and nails. within 1st 24 hrs of birth
involves the hands, feet
and circumoral area
(around the lips) in a
normal variation.

ii) Texture Examine by inspection and Soft, smooth, possible

pinching the skin . peeling, dryness and
cracking over hands and
feet.
iii) Skin turgor Check by inspection and
pinching. Good turgor

iv) Vernix Caseosa Observe for presence Greasy, grey white

substance with cheese like
consistency
 Color of the baby

 Normal vs.
Abnormal
Erythema Toxicum
Impetigo Neonatorum
 MONGOLIAN SPOTS

• 90% of African infants, 81% of Asian, and

9.6% of Caucasian infants
• Slate-gray to blue-black lesions
• Usually over lumbosacral area and
buttocks
• Accumulation of melanocytes within the
dermis
• Generally fade by age 7 years
Mongolian Spots
WHAT TO ASSESS? TECHNIQUE FOR CHARACTERISTICS OF
ASSESSMENT NORMAL NEW BORN
v) Lanugo Examine on back, shoulders, Lanugo (fine hair) seen on
forehead and cheeks. back, shoulders, forehead
and cheeks.
vi) Normal Variation Check by blanching skin Yellowish discoloration of
Physiological Jaundice over bridge of nose. skin.

Erythema Toxicum Observe back, Small isolated areas of

shoulders redness with a yellowish
and trunk of new born. white wheal in the center
commonly seen on
back, shoulders and
trunk.
Milia
Observe chin, nasal bridge Whitish pin head sized spots
and nasolabial folds. on around the nose or the
chin may be present.
Mongolian spot
Observe sacral region for Smooth, bluish green naevus
mongolian spot. measuring 2-10 cm in
diameter may be present in
the sacral region.
WHAT TO ASSESS? TECHNIQUE FOR CHARACTERISTICS
ASSESSMENT OF NORMAL NEW
BORN
3) VITAL SIGNS
i)Respiration Observe by watching Norma RR = 40-60
Determine rate, rhythm abdominal movement breaths/min
and count for 1 min.

ii)Heart rate Check by placing the Normal H.R =120-

Determine rate stethoscope apically i.e. 160
5th intercostal space in beats/min. crying
the mid clavicular line for increases & deep sleep
1 min. decreases HR.

iii) Temperatur Axillary temperature is

e preferable and should be Normal axillary temp=
taken for atleast 3 mins. 36.5- 37.5 0 C (95.5-
99.3o F)
You should also gain
experience in assessing Trunk feels warm,
the temperature of extremities are
newborn using hand. reasonably warm and
pink.
 Temperature
• At birth-warmth, keep the baby in skin to
skin contact with the mother
 Temperature recording

• Hands and feet should be checked for

warmth with the back of the hand to see if
the baby is in cold stress
• Temperature measurement
 Use clean thermometer
 Hold vertically in the axilla for 3 minute
 Read and record
 Normal 36.5ºC-37.5ºC
WHAT TO TECHNIQUE FOR ASSESSMENT CHARACTERISTICS
ASSESS? OF NORMAL NEW
BORN
4)
MEASUREMENTS Place the tape measure firmly over the Normal HC = 33-35.5
i) Head supra orbital ridges anteriorly and cm
circumfrence posteriorly over the occipital
protuberence that gives maximum Moulding after birth
circumference. may decrease the HC.
Bring the two ends of the tape in front .

ii) Length Record weight immediately after birth &

iii) Body weight daily while in hospital.
Place a paper lining on the scale.
Balance weighing scale beam balance.
Place nude newborn on weighing scale.
While weighing, place hand an inch
above newborn’s body to quickly grasp
the newborn, if neccesary.

iv)Chest Place & position the measuring tape Between 31-35 cm or

circumference under the rib cage at the nipple 12-13 inches (1 inch or
line. 2-3 cm less than HC)
 Weighing the baby

• Prepare the scale: cover the pan with a

clean cloth/autoclaved paper; ensure
the scale reads zero
• Preparing and weighing the baby
 Remove all clothing
 Wait till the baby stops moving
 Weigh naked
 Read and record
 Return the baby to the mother
• Scale maintenance
 Calibrate daily
 Clean the scale pan between each
weighing
WHAT TO TECHNIQUE FOR CHARACTERISTICS OF
ASSESS? ASSESSMENT NORMAL NEW BORN

5) HEAD
i) Fontannels Palpate anterior and AF is diamond shaped, flat,
posterior fontanelles when soft, firm.
newborn is quiet. Measures 2.4*4.0 cm
PF is triangular in shape,
1.2
cm wide.
Fontanel may bulge when
newborn cries.

ii) Sutures Palpate sutures Sutures may override during

vaginal delivery.

iii) Hair Observe texture Silky separate strands.

iv) Head lag Holding at the hands lift Able to maintain head in line
the supine baby gently. with the body and bring head
Observe the position of the anterior to the body.
head in relation to trunk.
WHAT TO ASSESS? TECHNIQUE FOR CHARACTERISTICS
ASSESSMENT OF NORMAL NEW
BORN
vi) NORMAL VARIATION
MOULDING Observe for appearance, May have elongated
shape of head. appearance in vaginal
birth newborns.
Bruising, abrasion Inspect head for No bruising or abrasions
bruising, abrasion or
swelling.
Caput succedaneum Observe for Localised edema on the
subcutaneous edema newborn scalp crossing
(soft tissue swelling) and the suture lines may
locate the extent. present at birth.
Cephal hematoma Observe for swelling on A localised effusion
the scalp. (serum blood) firmer to
touch than edematous
area, feels like a water
filled balloon usually
appears on 2nd or 3rd day
after birth. Does not
cross suture line.
CEPHALHEMATOMA
CAPUT SUCCADANEUM
NEWBORN SCALP HEMATOMATA
Caput succedaneum vs.
cephalohematoma

 Normal vs.
Abnormal
WHAT TO ASSESS? TECHNIQUE FOR CHARACTERISTICS OF
ASSESSMENT NORMAL NEW BORN
6) EYES Observe eyes, color of Eyes usually closed, lids
sclera & iris, usually edematous.
discharge etc. Sclera-white to bluish
white.
Iris- dark gray & brown.
No discharge, eyes clean
& healthy.
Glabellar Tap Tap sharply at galbella
Brisk closure of eyes.
& look for closure of
eyes.
7)EARS Draw a horizontal line Top of pinna of ear is in a
i) Location from outer canthus horizontal plane to the
of eye. outer canthus.

ii) Ear cartilage Assess ear firmness by Pinna firm, cartilage felt
palpation. along with edge.

iii) Ear recoil Check ear recoil by Instant recoil.

folding pinna forward and
releasing it.
WHAT TO TECHNIQUE FOR CHARACTERISTICS OF
ASSESS? ASSESSMENT NORMAL NEW BORN
8) NOSE Observe patency of nasal
Nasal passage passage. Nasal passage is patent.
9) ORAL CAVITY Observe oral cavity (lips, Clean oral cavity. Intact high
i) Cleanliness gums, teeth, palate, tongue) arched palate. Uvula in
by stimulating newborn to midline. No precocious teeth.
cry. No epstein pearls & no oral
thrush.

Touching/stroking the cheek

ii) Rooting reflex Touch/ stroke the cheek along the side of the mouth
along the side of mouth. stimulates the newborn to turn
head towards the side.

Sucking & swallowing reflex is

iii) Sucking reflex well developed & coordinated.
Observe while mother is
breast feeding the new born When tongue is touched or
depressed, newborn responds
iv) Extrusion reflex Touch or depress tongue of by forcing it outwards.
newborn.
WHAT TECHNIQUE FOR ASSESSMENT CHARACTERISTICS
TO OF NORMAL NEW
ASSESS BORN
?
10)NECK Inspect & palpate lymph nodes Neck is short, symmetrical,
in neck & also check for range no glands palpable, full
of motion. ROM.

Place the newborn in supine

Tonic position, turn the head to one The arm & leg on the side to
Neck side. which head is turned extend
Reflex while the opposite arm and
leg flex. (a symmetric
response).
11) CHEST Observe size, shape of Breast tissue >10 mm
Breast chest, retractions. diameter. Areola raised.
Nodule
Hold the breast tissue May have gynaecomastia,
between thumb & finger. may have milky white
discharge (white milk)
Observe for breast engorgement
& discharge. Round,
symmetrical, slightly smaller than
head.
Retraction may be
 CHEST

• Distress signs(Grunting,Tachypnea,Nasal
flaring,asymetric chest rise,supra-sternal,
intercostal, sub costal retraction).
• Deformities(Pectus excavatum, carinatum)
• Auscultate
– Air entry, symmetry
– Early crepitation sound is transmitted upper
sound
– Late inspiratory crepitation
 GENITALIA
• Penile size
• Hypospadias, epispadias
• Testes
– 2% crypoorchid
• Female:
– Prominent clitoris and minora
– Vaginal skin tag
– Vaginal discharge /blood
– Labial fusion
• Anus : Patency and location
INGUINAL HERNIAS
 HIP AND EXTREMITIES

• Erb’s palsy: extended arm and internal

rotation with limited movement
• Humerous fracture
• Digital abnormality
– Syndactaly, brachdactaly, polydactaly
• Single palmar crease
• Hip dislocation
– Female, breach
WHAT TO ASSESS? TECHNIQUE FOR CHARACTERISTICS OF
ASSESSMENT NORMAL NEW BORN

12) ABDOMEN
i) Bowel Sound Auscultate bowel sound. Bowel sounds are

ii) Umbilical Cord present. Initially

Observe & count number
of blood vessels, umbilical cord is
observe for any white & gelatinous, later
discharge or bleeding. it dries & shrivels. Two
arteries & one vein
(clean, no discharge or
bleeding)
The umbilicus: Which one is
normal?

 Normal vs.
Abnormal
13) GENITALIA
i) Female Observe development Labia majora well
of Labia majora, developed. Labia
urethral meatus & majora completely
vaginal opening & any covers the labia
discharge. minora. Urethral
meatus is located
above the vaginal
opening. Whitish
mucoid or bloody
discharge
(Pseudomensturation
may be present)
 Umbilicus
The NORMAL umbilicus is:
 Bluish-white in colour on day 1.
 It then begins to dry and shrink and

 If falls off after 7 to 10 days

 No discharge

LOCAL UMBILICAL INFECTION

RED umbilicus or
RED skin around the umbilicus

POSSIBLE SERIOUS INFECTION

 Umbilicus draining pus or
 Umbilical redness, swelling extending to skin
 ABDOMEN

• Inspection
– Scaphoid
– Distention
– Abdominal wall defect (gastroschisis)
• Palpation; baby sucking and use warm hands
– Kidneys are normaly palpable
– Liver 2-3 cm
– Spleen palpable
– Umbilical vessels
• 2 artery, one vein
– Hernias ; umbilical and inguinal
WHAT TO ASSESS? TECHNIQUE FOR CHARACTERISTICS
ASSESSMENT OF NORMAL NEW
BORN

ii) Male Observe the scrotal Testes descended in

rugae and palpate testes scrotum.
in the scrotum. Scrotum pendulous and
deeply pigmented
Observe location of Urethra opening located
urethral opening. at tip of glans.

14) BACK
i) Spinal curve Observe spinal curve Spinal curve round.
while newborn is in
prone position.

Observe for location & Patent & opening.

anal opening. H/O
passage of meconium
during the 1st 24-48 hrs.
 NEUROLOGIC ASSESSMENT

The neurologic assessment is based on 4 four fundamental

observations:
1. Muscle tone
2. Joint mobility
3. reflexes
4. Body movements
1. Muscle tone: This is assessed by three parameters: a)
Posture ; b) Passive tone c) Active tone.
2. Joint mobility: In preterm babies, the joints are relatively
stiff so the degree of flexion at ankle and wrist is limited.
In term babies, joints are more flexible and relaxed.
3. Certain reflexes: The presence of certain reflexes such
as moro’s reflex, pupillary reflex, blinking, grasp, rooting
and sucking reflex help in establishing neurological
health of neonate. These reflexes disappear after
maturity of nervous system.
4. Body movements: The neonate if not sleeping, is active
and alert. The baby moves extremities actively.
WHAT TO ASSESS? TECHNIQUE FOR CHARACTERISTICS OF
ASSESSMENT NORMAL NEW BORN
15) EXTREMITIES
i) No. of fingers & toes. Count the fingers of toes & 10 fingers of hands & toes
hands & types. each.

ii) Sole creases Observe for sole creases Deep creases over anterior
after stretching the skin. 1/3rd to ½ of sole.

Newborn offer resistance

iii) Resistance to passive Move elbow across the to passive movement.
movement/ scarf chest. Elbow does not cross
sign. the
mid line of chest.

iv) Joint mobility Check for joint mobility by Joints are flexible i.e.
observing degree of flexion makes 0o angle between
at ankle joint. foot & leg.

Place a finger across the

v) Grasp reflex palm at the base of the
fingers.
WHAT TO ASSESS? TECHNIQUE FOR CHARACTERISTICS
ASSESSMENT OF NORMAL NEW
BORN

vi) Moro’s Reflex Elicit by sudden change Sudden extension &

in equilibrium. abduction of extremities
& fanning of fingers
followed by flexion &
adduction of extremities.

vi) Babinski’s reflex Stroke plantar surface of The toes flare open.
newborn’s foot.

vii) Step or dance reflex Hold newborn in upright New born make stepping
position so that sole of movement.
foot touches examination
table.
REFLEXES EXPECTED AGE OF AGE OF
OF EYE BEHAVIORA APPEARA DISAPPEAR
L NCE ANCE
RESPONSE
1. BLINKING Infant blinks at sudden Birth Does not
appearance of bright disappear
light or approach of any .
object towards light.

2.PUPILLA Pupil constricts when Birth Does not

RY REACTIO bright light falls on it. disappear
N

3. DOLL’S As head is moved to right Birth 3-4 months.

EYE or left, eyes lag behind &
do not immediately
adjust to new position.
REFLEXES EXPECTED AGE OF AGE OF
OF NOSE BEHAVIORA APPEAR DISAPPEA
L ANCE RANCE
RESPONSE
4. SNEEZE Spontaneous Birth Does not
response of disappear
nasal passage to
any
irritant.
5.GLABELL Tapping briskly on Birth Does not
AR bridge of nose disappear
(Gabella) causes
eyes to close
tightly.
REFLEXES EXPECTED AGE OF AGE OF
OF BEHAVIORA APPEARAN DISAPPEAR
MOUTH L CE ANCE
RESPONSE
6. ROOTING The infant turns his head Birth 3-4 months
towards any object that
touches his cheek and
actively seeks the nipple
and begins to suck.

7. SUCKING Baby begins to suck in Birth Persists

response to stimulation of during infancy
circumoral area.
8. GAG Stimulation of posterior Birth Persists
pharynx by food or suction throughout
causes infant to gag. life.
9.EXTRUSION When tongue is touched or Birth 4 months
depressed, infant responds
by forcing it outward.
10. COUGH Irritation of mucus Birth Persists life
membranes of larynx long.
causes cough
REFLEXES OF EXPECTED AGE OF AGE OF
EXTREMITIES BEHAVIORA APPEARANCE DISAPPEARAN
L CE
RESPONSE
11. GRASP Touching palms of Birth Palmar grasp – 3
hands or soles of months
foot near base of Palmar grasp – 8
digits causes months.
flexion of hands
(Palmar grasp)
and soles (Plantar
grasp)
12. BABINSKI Stroking outer Birth 1 year
sole of foot
upward from heel
across ball of
foot causes toes
to hyperextend.
MASS EXPECTED AGE OF AGE OF
REFLEXES BEHAVIORA APPEARANCE DISAPPEA
L RANCE
RESPONSE
13. MORO’S When loud voice is made or Birth 3-4 months
there is sudden change in
equilibrium, it causes
sudden extension and
abduction of extremities and
fanning of fingers.
14. Perez When infant is prone on a Birth 4-6 months
firm surface, thumb is
pressed along the spine
from sacrum to neck, infant
responds by crying, flexing
extremities and elevating
pelvis and head and
lordosis of spine.
15. Tonic When infant’s head is 2nd month 3-4 months
neck turned to one side, arm and
leg extend on that side and
opposite arm and leg flex.
MASS EXPECTED AGE OF AGE OF
REFLEXES BEHAVIORA APPEARANCE DISAPPEARAN
L CE
RESPONSE
16. Galant reflex Stroking infant At birth 4 weeks
back alongside
spine causes hip
to move towards
stimulated side.
17. Dance or If infant is held At birth 3-4 weeks
stepping such that side of
foot touches a
hard surface,
there is reciprocal
flexion
and extension of
legs.
18. Crawl When placed on Birth 5 weeks
abdomen, infant
makes crawling
movements.
 Danger signs

 Not feeding well • Floppy or stiff

 Less active than before • Temperature >37.50C
 Fast breathing (>60/ or <35.50C
min) • Umbilicus draining
 Moderate or severe pus or umbilical
chest in-drawing redness extending to
skin.
 Grunting
• >10 skin pustules
 Convulsions
• Bleeding from umbil.
Stump
Thank
You!