Newborn Assessment

The purpose of this course is to provide an overview of a newborn assessment for all nurses, especially those who either presently care for newborns or those who come in contact with them occasionally. In addition, members of the public may use this course to enhance their personal knowledge of the subject matter presented.


Upon completion of this course, you should be able to:


1. Outline important points of a prenatal history.

2. Describe immediate post-birth care and examination of the placenta.

3. Analyze guidelines and strategies for assigning Apgar scores and the implications of maintaining a thermoneutral environment for the newborn.

4. Discuss the importance of general measurements and determination of gestational age.

5. Identify important aspects of the newborn skin assessment.

6. Review key components of the assessment of the newborn's head, face, and neck.

7. Evaluate newborns' reflexes and other relevant neurologic findings.

8. Outline the steps involved in the assessment of the newborn's chest and respiratory system, including identifying signs of respiratory distress.

9. Appropriately evaluate the newborn's cardiovascular system, with attention to potential congenital heart defects.

10. Describe key aspects of the newborn abdomen assessment.

11. Identify warning signs and normal findings when assessing the newborn's genitourinary system.

12. Discuss the inspection of the newborn's extremities, back, and spine.


This 10-hour continuing education course is available for download for professional development; if continuing education credit is desired, please see instructions included in eBook.