This is an activity carried out by the Public/Community health nurse at CWC where the baby is assessed physically from head to toe.
Aims
· Identify and confirm any abnormalities on the baby for intervention
· Inform mother/caregiver on findings on the baby and counsel accordingly
· Refer baby to appropriate service delivery centre when the need arises
· Educate and give parental reassurance
Requirements
· Furniture which includes chairs, tables, bulletin board
· Child health record book
· Flat surface for examination
· Weighing tally sheet
· Weighing scales
· Master chart for grading nutritional status
· Hand washing facilities- veronica bucket, plastic bowls, soap in a dish, hand towels
· Electronic/manual visual aids for education
· Blue and red pens, pencils, eraser and rule
Steps
1. Explain procedure to mother and apply alcohol rub to the hands
2. Ask mother to place baby on her lap/flat surface for physical examination
3. Observe the size and shape of the head
4. Feel the skull for anterior and posterior fontanelles, and observe for any abnormalities
5. Open baby’s eyes gently with the thumb and index finger and examine the eyes
6. Test for reflexes (at least one)
7. Examine the:
· Nose, mouth and ears
· Neck for enlarged lymph nodes
· Armpit, upper limbs and nails
· Skin for any rashes and muscle tone
· Trunk and abdomen
· Groins for swelling, vulva for discharges, scrotum for cleanliness and undescended testes
· Lower limbs and nails
8. Observe umbilicus for healing and cleanliness
9. Turn child and examine the back, buttocks and anal area for abnormalities
10. Ask mother to dress up baby, discuss findings with mother and refer if necessary
11. Wash hands/alcohol hand rub with appropriate technique
12. Record and report findings manually/electronically
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