PubMed HealthSearch

Biomedical subjects

P Fowlie

Publications and source records attributed to P Fowlie.

7 recordsLinked to original sources

Examination of the newborn infant.

Child health surveillance means the professional monitoring of not only the physical, but also the mental, behavioural and emotional growth and development of children. Midwives, obstetricians and general practitioners should be able to carry out an examination. It is important to have information about the parents' medical history, drug history, social history and family history along with the pregnancy and delivery details. Some other points should also be noted at this early stage. Have any problems been identified already? Has the baby passed urine/meconium? Is the baby feeding well? It is now possible to test for numerous inherited disorders, in particular inborn errors of metabolism. The best rationale for screening is that parents like to hear that their child is normal and healthy or else know of any problems as soon as possible.

Humans

Common problems of newborn infants.

Factors to consider in the care of a newborn infant Family history Extremes of body temperature Poor feeding Vomiting Failure to pass urine or meconium Rapid breathing with or without cyanosis Jaundice Rashes and birthmarks 'Jitteriness' Unusual features Collapse

Diagnosis, Differential

Life and death decisions about babies' treatment.

Withdrawing and withholding treatment is an emotive issue, especially when it relates to babies. This paper describes a study exploring the perceptions of doctors, nurses and midwives involved in such decisions. It found that nurses and midwives were reluctant to express their opinions. This resulted in practices and decisions with which they were not always in total agreement. Recommendations have been made for better preparation in ethical reasoning, improved communication and team effort.

Attitude of Health Personnel