Good afternoon everyone.

 The pediatric physical exam, seeks to evaluate growth, development and detect health problems. The care begins with a conversation with the family and requesting permission to examine your baby. In the general inspection, the general appearance, mental status and mental signs are evaluated.

Head: measure the head circumference, check the baby's skull for bruising, placement and characteristics of the ear, evaluate the eyes for retinal abnormality or coloboma. In addition, it is important to assess the patency of the nostrils, examine the mouth by palpation.  Next, evaluate the clavicles. Chest: inspection of the shape of the thorax, auscultation of the cardiac foci, lungs. Abdomen; inspection of the skin surrounding the umbilical cord, assess the size of the liver. Unbutton the child's diaper and evaluate the femoral pulses. Evaluate the genitalia, check for hip dysplasia using the Ostolani and Barlow maneuver. Extremities: check fingers and toes. Then gently turn the infant to inspect the back. It is common for infants to have blue-gray macules on the back that fade over time. 

Of note, a unique aspect of the newborn examination is the primitive reflexes, such as the palmar pressure reflex and moral reflex. When evaluating them, observe whether they are symmetrical, as asymmetry may indicate a neurological condition.

Finally, wrap the baby in a blanket, thank the family, and ask if they have any questions.