A Newborn examinations are best undertaken by a doctor.

[Feedback :- There is plenty of evidence that midwives and nurse practitioners as are as good as junior doctors, if not better, at picking up abnormalities and reassuring parents.]

B The newborn examination can be undertaken any time in the first 6–8 weeks of life.

[Feedback :- The first newborn examination should be performed within 72 hours, in order to pick up important cardiac and hip disorders early. A repeat test is usually performed at 6–8 weeks.]

C The examination can be performed at any time provided that the baby has been fed, is warm, and is not unwell.

This is the Correct Answer

[Feedback :- A very early examination (within the first 6–12 hours) may miss some duct-dependent cardiac lesions. Parents should be told that a normal newborn examination is not a guarantee of normality.]

D A ‘systems-based’ approach is better than a ‘head to toe’ approach.

[Feedback :- Either is acceptable, but the head to toe approach is probably less disturbing for the baby and means that nothing gets forgotten.]

E Only speak to the parents and document findings if something is abnormal.

[Feedback :- The examination should be carefully documented, ideally in a parent-held record. Good communication with the parents and with community health professionals is important.]