Check Your Understanding Questions
1
.
Why is it important that newborns with hypospadias and epispadias not be circumcised until they are seen by a pediatric urologist?
2
.
A full neurologic assessment of a newborn includes evaluation of each newborn reflex. List the newborn reflexes and the expected finding for each.
3
.
A newborn is feeding and acting fussy when the nurse walks into the room to complete a Ballard Assessment. What should the nurse know about timing the Ballard Assessment?
4
.
Explain why it is important that the nurse not perform the Ballard Assessment on a newborn that is possibly withdrawing from substances.
5
.
Summarize why the nurse must wear gloves the entire time they are completing an assessment on a newborn that has not yet had a bath post birth.
6
.
Describe two reasons the nurse would want to perform a behavioral assessment on a newborn before discharge home.
7
.
After completing a physical assessment and noting weight and measurements, the nurse completes a Ballard Assessment on a newborn.
| SIGN | SCORE |
| Posture | 3 |
| Square Window | 2 |
| Arm Recoil | 3 |
| Popliteal Angle | 3 |
| Scarf Sign | 3 |
| Heel to Ear | 2 |
| TOTAL SCORE |
Table
23.4
Neuromuscular Maturity Scoring
| SIGN | SCORE |
| Skin | 2 |
| Lanugo | 2 |
| Plantar Surface | 3 |
| Breast | 2 |
| Eye/Ear | 2 |
| Genitals (Male/Female) | 2 female |
| TOTAL SCORE |
Table
23.5
Physical Maturity Score
Based on the indicated scores, what overall maturity score would this newborn receive?