Examination of the Newborn Quiz (January 2011)

Alexis has been transferred to the postnatal ward from Delivery suite after having a spontaneous vaginal birth to a little boy (Oliver) weighing 10lbs 8oz. Second stage labour was 34 mins with a third stage of only 19mins.
1) What 4 relevant screening elements make up a newborn examination within the Newborn and Infant Physical Examination programme in this case?
Over all physical examination but the 4 specific screening tests are Examination of the heart, Hips, Eyes and testes in boys
2) When checking Oliver his body and extremities are pink and good in colour but he has a blue tinge to the skin on his face and neck with red blotches in his eyes. Hes alert and well other than the colouring. What condition could cause this?
Traumatic Cyanosis, Possible accepted answers Petechiae with cyanosis, eye hemorrhage
3) What would be a common explanation of the previous condition?
Due to Oliver being a large baby and having a rapid second stage labour resulting in excessive pressure being exerted on the head whilst being delivered.
4) Within how many hours of birth should the newborn exam be carried out?
6-72 hours
5) Name 6 conditions which may be identified by this examination of the newborn?
Cataracts, retinoblastoma, possible Hip dysplasia, congenital heart disease, Cryptorchidism (undescended testes - UDT), clubfoot, or congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV) and A sacral pit.
6) What condition is common in breech babies? And what course of action would be put in place to check for this condition?
There is an increased risk of developmental dysplasia of the hip so baby will be offered an ultrasound examination.
7) What check is performed at one minute and again at five minutes after birth.
Apgar
8) What factors are included in the Apgar scoring?
Skin colour, Heart rate, reflex response, Muscle tone and breathing
9) What routine test will be carried out at 5 days post birth?
Heel ***** test / Guthrie/NNST
10) What is the Guthrie test checking for?
Phenylketonuria (an enzyme deficiency), a thyroid deficiency, Cystic Fibrosis, a sickle cell disorder and MCADD (a rare condition which affects the way the body converts fat into energy)- in Wales test for PKU, cystic fibrosis, hypothyroidism and duchennes muscluar dystrophy (UKNSC 2007b)

Bonus question

Who was the test APGAR named after, what was their occupation and in which year was it founded?

anaesthesiologist Virginia Apgar published it in 1953.

Thanks to our question writer this month, IkklePrincess