What are the key tests for a newborn's 42 day physical examination?

The 42 day physical examination for newborns focuses on checking growth and development, neurological development, cardiopulmonary function, hearing and vision, hip joint development, and other items, which can help detect potential problems early. The main examination contents include weight, height, head circumference measurement, muscle tone and reflex testing, cardiac auscultation and lung assessment, hearing screening and fundus examination, hip joint ultrasound or physical examination, etc.

1. Growth and development

evaluates nutritional status and growth rate by measuring weight, height, and head circumference. Insufficient weight gain may indicate feeding problems or metabolic abnormalities, and abnormal head circumference should rule out hydrocephalus or microcephaly. The doctor will compare the data at birth and calculate the daily weight gain. If the weight gain is less than 20-30 grams per day, it is necessary to check for insufficient breast milk or absorption disorders.

2. Neurological examination [SEP]: Check for primitive reflexes such as embrace reflex and grip reflex, and observe the ability to lift the head in a prone position. Low muscle tone may indicate brain injury, and attention should be paid to brachial plexus nerve injury for asymmetric reflexes. Doctors will test newborns' responses to sounds and facial expressions to assess early cognitive development levels.

3. Cardiopulmonary function

Auscultation of heart murmurs and respiratory sounds to diagnose congenital heart disease or pneumonia. A respiratory rate exceeding 60 beats per minute or the appearance of three concave signs indicates respiratory distress, and cardiac murmurs need to be combined with ultrasound to determine whether intervention is necessary. Simultaneously observe whether there is cyanosis in the lips and limbs.

4. Sensory screening

Use an otoacoustic emission device to re-examine hearing. Those who fail should be referred to an otolaryngology department. Fundus examination excludes congenital cataracts or retinal lesions, and delayed light reflex may indicate abnormal development of the optic nerve. Premature infants need to focus on monitoring the development of retinal blood vessels.

5. Hip joint development

The relationship between the femoral head and hip socket is examined through abduction test and ultrasound examination. Asymmetric skin lines or restricted abduction on both legs may indicate developmental hip dislocation, with a higher risk for female infants and breech infants. Early detection can avoid surgical treatment through sling correction.

Parents need to prepare a newborn birth record and vaccination booklet in advance, and avoid breastfeeding one hour before the physical examination to prevent vomiting. Pay attention to observing the baby's daily milk intake, sleep status, and bowel movements, and record any abnormal symptoms for the doctor to judge. After the physical examination, supplement vitamin D according to the doctor's advice and adhere to prone position and head up training to promote motor development. If hip joint abnormalities or heart murmurs are found, follow-up and intervention should be completed within 3 months.