By
Carolyn Jarvis, PhD, APN, CNP, Family Nurse Practitioner, Chestnut Health Systems, Bloomington; Adjunct Assistant Professor of Nursing, School of Nursing, Illinois Wesleyan University, Bloomington, IL
Description
Video 14 from the Jarvis Physical Examination and Health Assessment Video Series takes a systematic approach to the complete examination
of a neonate, combining body-system assessments within the same region and incorporating gestational age assessments. First, it shows
how to obtain an overview by observing general appearance, assessing vital signs, and measuring length and head and chest circumference.
Then it continues with a head-to-toe examination, reserving potentially upsetting procedures for the end. The video demonstrates how
to examine the structures of the head and neck, chest and abdomen, upper and lower extremities, genitalia (with variations for boys and
girls), neuromuscular system, and spine. It concludes with a rectal examination and final procedures.
