Newborn Assessment and Reflexes [EXAM 3]

Eyes

symmetrical, PERRLA, blue/gray, minimal tears, random jerky movement

Ears

inner to outer canthus should be even w ear [lower=down syndrome], firm and well formed cartilage, responds to voices and sounds

Touch

responds to tactile pain, mouth/hands/soles of feet are most sensitive

Smell

high developed, prefer sweet, can recognize mom’s smell

Taste

prefer sweet to salty, NOT sour/bitter

Mouth

palate closure, strength of suck, symmetrical lip movement, scant saliva [not drool], tongue shouldn’t protrude, look for thrush

Nose

midline, flat, lack of bridge, nose breathers until 3 weeks

Neck

minimal head control

Chest

barrel-shaped, intact clavicle, no retractions, prominent nipples

Male Genitals

rugae on scrotum, testes present, urinary meatus at penile tip

Female Genitals

labia majora covering labia minora and clitoris, vaginal blood tinged discharge

Anus

patent, meconium passed 24-48hrs after birth, urine within 24hrs after birth [rust color]

Abdomen

umbilical cord odorless, round abdomen, nondistended, bowel sounds present

Extremities

full range of movement, bowed legs are normal, no clicking, gluteal folds sym, foot soles are well lines 2/3, pink nail beds

Spine

straight, flat, midline, easily flexed

Rooting Reflex

stroke the cheek or edge of mouth- newborn should turn head towards the side that was touched

Sucking Reflex

newborn sucks on finger when placed in the mouth

Palmar Grasp

place finger in palm of hand- fingers should curl

Plantar Grasp

place finger at base of foot- toes should curl

Moro Reflex

startling- should extend arms and then abduct

Babinski Reflex

stroke outer edge of foot moving upward- toes fan out