Neonatal physical examination: Protocols and main findings

Abstract

Introduction: Neonatal nursing requires technical knowledge and sensitivity to perform physical examinations of newborns. Systematic assessment allows for early identification of changes by observing vital signs, reflexes, and general and specific conditions. This skilled practice reduces risks, guides nursing diagnoses, and contributes to improving neonatal health. Objective: To identify the protocols for neonatal physical examination and its main clinical findings. Methodology: Integrated review of the literature, collecting and summarizing the scientific knowledge already developed. Analysis and discussion of results: Neonatal physical examination is fundamental for qualified nursing care, as it allows for a comprehensive, humanized, and evidence-based assessment. It enables the identification of abnormalities, the formulation of nursing diagnoses, and care planning, contributing to the reduction of infant mortality. To perform it properly, professionals must combine scientific knowledge, propaedeutic technique, and humanized practice. The examination must be complete, delicate, and conducted in an appropriate environment, observing the skin, head, chest, abdomen, genitals, extremities, and neurological aspects. The analysis of clinical findings makes it possible to distinguish physiological manifestations from pathological signs, such as respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological, dermatological, and musculoskeletal changes. This careful assessment favors early interventions, qualifies care, and ensures greater safety for the newborn. Conclusion: The neonatal physical examination is essential for the early identification of changes that compromise the health of the newborn. Its systematic, technical, and sensitive performance allows the differentiation of physiological findings from pathological signs, strengthening clinical reasoning, ensuring safety, and improving the quality of nursing care.