Pediatricians usually examine the physical development upon a regular visit but specifically a complete physical examination is so crucial to recognize the absolute and optimistic development of child growth. A general physical examination is also important because it helps diagnosing any disease or illness and take preemptive measures. Physical Assessment of children is usually executed depending upon the age group. Even if the child looks healthy a physical examination is suggested every year or two. Every visit to pediatrician makes history and based on previous assessments accompanied by new observations and inspection the child is examined.
Why Pediatric General Examination Is Required?
The aim of physical assessments is to ensure fitness and natural growth of child as per required for physical activities. By regular visits for general physical examinations the guardians will better understand the physique and behavior of children. It helps scrutinize any concealed illness, disease or condition and assist with the treatments. The examination of unhealthy child ultimately helps understanding the severity and finding remedy of the issue.
A Professional pediatrician ascertains the physical development of child compared to age group, general standards and normal rates. The regular visits build a rapport confidence and a trust relation between the doctors and children as the pediatricians do not treat them as patients and there is a friendly environment. Daily 4 out of every 10 children are born with physical illness which can be prevented, cured or mitigated by identifying the issue at first stage.
General Assessment
In a general physical examination an assessment of body systems is done escorted by the measurements of growth and developments. Doctors usually start the assessment by examining the health history of child and then four steps are being followed most of the time which are inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation.
Examining the major systems is important to discover the existence of any deformities. Pediatricians generally examine cardiovascular system by inspecting pulse rate, sound and rhythm of heart beats, breath sounds and femoral pulse. In respiratory system the air way, breathing, circulation, and respiratory rate are being examined. 1 out of every 10 kids grumbles about morning abdominal pain which can be prevented by examining gastrointestinal system and indicating any abdominal adhesions, fecal retention or any other common diseases. The nervous system in action is also tested by examining the mental status, motor and sensory skills, reflexes and functioning of nerves. Some other assessments like ENT vary in region and methodology of pediatricians.
Measurements Of Growth
The measurement of growth is important as it shows the health condition and nourishment of child. The measurements that are usually taken are head circumference, length or height and weight. Monitoring growth has two steps measuring and recording which helps comparing the nutritional status to standard patterns and scrutinize any deviations.
Until the infants cannot stand still which is usually under two years, the length is measured by straightening the body and either on a measuring table or via scale. The height of children who can stand securely is measured by stadiometer. Infants are weighted with either a clean diaper or nude in an electrical scale and beam scale or other body weighing scales are used for children who can stand still. Measuring the height and weight is important for monitoring the health as these are used for calculating Body Mass Index (BMI).
Measuring head circumference is important as it indicates the growth of brain and fusing of bones in infant. With a non-stretchable tape the head circumference is measured from just above the eyebrows and around the occiput. Head circumference is measured till the age of three.
Developmental Assessment
Developmental assessment is carried out by monitoring the development status of child and comparing it to the standardized age and attributes of a particular society. In different population groups the standards vary according to cultural differences and preferences. The general assessment of child’s development includes the communication, social interaction, social behavior, sensory abilities and adaptive skills. For the acquisition of a milestone the average and limit age of acquiring any skill in a society is used. Even this range varies widely attainment of some skills have a limit age such as smiling which occurs usually by 8 weeks of birth. Concerning a pediatrician for monitoring a development is important as there are complexities which can be avoided by effortless activities. 1% children have austum spectrum which is avoided by regular visits to professionals.
The general physical examination of children is beneficial for both a nutritious healthy life and a blooming social life. Comparing the child health status with a sample of population groups is important for achieving the milestones of enjoying the same physical and mental health as any regular child in society. Children have impressions of surroundings and physical assessment is one of the avenues for positive changes in children.