baby checks

Question 1

(a) list 2 purposes of the newborn examination prior to discharge?

Answer 1

1. to confirm normality so as to reassure the patients
2. to identify and act upon any abnormalities

Question 2

(b) give 2 examples of anatomical conditions specific to the newborn baby that may be elicited on the clinical examination check

Answer 2

1. developmental hip dysplasia
2. scoliosis
3. talipes
4. craniosynostosis

Question 3

(c) how would you explain a Guthrie test to the parents

Answer 3

it involves cleaning the heel then pricking the foot with a small needle to obtain a small quantity of blood, which is collected on filter paper before being sent to the lab for analysis

Question 4

(d) list 2 tests that can be performed by the Guthrie test

Answer 4

1. Guthrie assay (identifies phenylketonuria)
2. Immune reactive trypsin (cystic fibrosis)
3. thyroid function tests (hypothyroidism)
4. MCAD deficiency
5. sickle cell disease