Good evening, everyone,

Pediatric evaluation is a structured and essential process to ensure the healthy growth and development of children from birth. It begins with observation: the child's general appearance, behavior, posture, and interaction with caregivers are assessed, which can provide valuable clinical information even before the physical exam.

A complete head-to-toe physical examination is then performed, assessing the shape of the skull and fontanelles in infants, eye alignment and mobility, the oral cavity, heart and lung sounds, abdominal findings, and musculoskeletal symmetry. Reflexes, muscle tone, and coordination are also examined to detect possible neurological or developmental disorders. Growth measurements such as weight, height, and head circumference should be compared with standardized charts to identify deviations in a timely manner.

Monitoring developmental milestones in the areas of motor, cognitive, language, and social development is also crucial to detect delays. It is equally important to use age-appropriate communication and techniques to help gain the child's trust during the evaluation.

Early detection of abnormalities through these assessments allows for timely intervention, improving the prognosis and supporting the child's overall development.