Neonatology and the newborn examination

Why it matters in the exam

The newborn is the part of paediatrics that GPs and trainees meet most often and feel least sure about. The DCH knows this. Expect questions on the newborn and infant physical examination (NIPE), on jaundice, on feeding, and on the small number of neonatal presentations that must never be sent home.

The exam rewards a candidate who knows two things: the structure of the six-to-eight-week check and the newborn examination, and the timing rules — because in the neonate, when something happens is often more diagnostic than what it looks like.

What this chapter covers

• 2.1The NIPE screening programmeThe NHS Newborn and Infant Physical Examination screening programme requires an examination within 72 hours of…Preview below
• 2.2HipsBarlow attempts to dislocate a located hip; Ortolani relocates a dislocated hip. Ultrasound is the investigati…Members
• 2.3Testes and the red reflexAn absent red reflex requires same-day or urgent ophthalmology referral — the question is usually retinoblasto…Members
• 2.4Neonatal jaundiceJaundice is common; the exam tests whether you can sort the physiological from the dangerous. The tool is timi…Members
• 2.5The biliary atresia ruleA raised conjugated bilirubin, especially with pale, chalky stools and dark urine, means biliary atresia until…Members
• 2.6Feeding and weightNewborns commonly lose weight in the first days. A loss of more than 10% of birth weight warrants assessment:…Members
• 2.7Newborn screeningThe newborn blood spot is taken around day 5 and screens for sickle cell disease, cystic fibrosis, congenital…Members
• 2.8Common benign findings you must be able to reassure aboutMembers
• 2.9The sick neonateNeonates present non-specifically. Poor feeding, lethargy, irritability, temperature instability, apnoea, grun…Members
• —Common pitfalls · Exam triggersMembers

The core content

All 12 chapters of the DCH revision guide · DCH question bank