Study note

General observation of the newborn

THE CONTEXT

Careful observation provides important information during newborn assessment and should never be omitted.

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Assess alertness, behavior, response to handling, posture, spontaneous activity, and color.

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Look for breathing difficulty and obvious malformations.

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Observe the neonate during light sleep or while awake but quiet, typically 1–1.5 hours after feeding.

NEETx

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