What are the physical examination items for newborns

The newborn physical examination mainly includes physical examination, hearing screening, genetic metabolic disease screening, congenital heart disease screening, vision screening, etc. These examinations help to detect potential health problems early and ensure the healthy growth of newborns.

1. Physical Examination

Physical examination is a basic item of newborn physical examination, including measuring growth indicators such as weight, length, and head circumference, and evaluating general conditions such as skin color, muscle tone, and reflexes. The doctor will check the size of the fontanelle, auscultation of the heart and lungs, palpation of the abdomen, and range of motion of the limbs. Physical examination can preliminarily determine whether a newborn has developmental abnormalities or congenital deformities, such as hip dysplasia, spina bifida, and other issues. During the inspection process, feeding and bowel movements will also be observed.

2. Hearing screening

Newborn hearing screening is usually conducted within 48 hours after birth, using otoacoustic emission or automatic auditory brainstem response techniques. This examination can detect congenital hearing impairment early and avoid language development delay caused by hearing loss. The screening process is non-invasive and fast, and newborns can complete it in a quiet or sleeping state. Newborns who did not pass the screening need to undergo re screening within 42 days, and intervention can be initiated as soon as hearing loss is diagnosed.

3. Genetic metabolic disease screening

Genetic metabolic disease screening can screen for dozens of diseases such as phenylketonuria and congenital hypothyroidism through heel blood testing. The early symptoms of these diseases are not obvious but the harm is serious. Timely screening can avoid irreversible consequences such as intellectual impairment. Blood collection is usually done 6-8 times or more after 72 hours of birth and breastfeeding. Positive screening results require further diagnosis and intervention measures such as dietary control or medication treatment.

4. Congenital heart disease screening

Congenital heart disease screening uses a combination of pulse oximetry and clinical evaluation, with a focus on screening critically ill congenital heart disease. The examination is conducted 24-72 hours after birth, and abnormalities are detected by measuring the blood oxygen saturation of the right hand and either foot, combined with cardiac auscultation. Early detection of severe congenital heart disease can prompt surgical intervention to reduce neonatal mortality. Positive screening results require further diagnosis through cardiac ultrasound.

5. Vision Screening

Newborn vision screening mainly evaluates eye structure and basic visual function, including red light reflex examination, eye movement observation, etc. Early detection of eye diseases such as congenital cataracts and retinopathy. Premature infants also need to undergo retinal disease screening to prevent vision loss. For high-risk newborns or those with a family history of eye diseases, it is recommended to undergo professional eye examinations as early as possible after birth. After the newborn's physical examination, parents should follow the doctor's advice to provide daily care, maintain reasonable feeding and sleeping environment. Pay attention to observing the newborn's mental state, feeding habits, bowel movements, and changes in skin color. Complete vaccination on time and conduct regular child health follow-up. If abnormal symptoms such as persistent jaundice, feeding difficulties, and shortness of breath are detected, medical attention should be sought promptly. Establish health records to record growth and development data, providing a basis for subsequent health management.