Physical Assessment of the Newborn. A Comprehensive Approach to the Art of Physical Examination. Sixth edition

Ellen Tappero and Mary Ellen Honeyfield

Springer Publishing Company, New York

ISBN: 9780826174437

£72.50, paperback, 320 pages

The first edition of this book was published 25 years ago and this sixth edition claims to be extensively updated and revised, easy to read, logical and user friendly. I would agree that this book is well organised and that the layout of each chapter offers an easy to follow style. The authors do state in the foreword that this text is meant as an introduction to physical assessment and is not intended to be an exhaustive text. In my past experience, this book was included on the reading list for the Examination of the Newborn module and it sits very well on this list for students that have some experience handling the well infant but who need to learn a structured approach to the formal examination. It would also be a useful text for the registered nurse new to neonatology as characteristics and assessment of the preterm infant are also included along with a glossary of terms, which those unfamiliar with newborn assessment would find useful.

For a British audience the American terminology may be off putting; use of terms such as CBC and the American ‘normal’ values differing somewhat between countries. There are also some inaccuracies for the UK reader with Group B Strep cultures the norm at 35-37 weeks’ gestation in the US. The lack of consistency with the traditional NHS Newborn and Infant Physical Examination (NIPE) in the observations table and the inclusion of scoring systems not used in the UK could cause confusion.

The book begins with sections on the principles of physical assessment and the recording and evaluation of neonatal history, and then moves on to discuss assessment by ‘system’ over 13 chapters, including chest and lung, skin, cardiovascular, abdominal, neurologic, behavioural assessment, assessment of the dysmorphic infant and pain assessment.

Chapter 3, Gestational Age Assessment, uses US survival data (2013/14) and this may not be as accurate as MBRRACE-UK data for the UK reader, however also in this chapter, the inclusion of pictures alongside the Ballard score is most welcome.

Chapter 10, Musculoskeletal System Assessment, is well written and the useful terminology table and pictures are helpful. Addition of actions to be taken when abnormalities are detected might be useful to the novice reader.

Overall this is a thorough text and most useful to staff new to physical assessment of the newborn infant. I am sure the sixth edition will remain on the reading list for the NIPE course for years to come.

Reviewed by Erica Everett Network Lead Nurse Neonatal Neuroprotection and Practice Development, East of England Operational Delivery Network

The Student Guide to the Newborn Infant Physical Examination

Tracey Jones (Ed)

Routledge, London

ISBN: 9781138086395

£27.99, Paperback, 248 pages

This book is an excellent tool and is suitable for all practitioners embarking on the Newborn Infant Physical Examination (NIPE) course. It is written in a clear and concise manner that allows the reader to establish a full understanding of each aspect of the NIPE. There are ten chapters, each written by a practitioner who has expertise in the chosen area. Every chapter offers an effective and evidenced review of latest thinking. As the midwife and neonatal nurse role is extended to include the NIPE and the expectations are that newly qualified staff of the future will hold this qualification, it is essential that a high quality, easy to use textbook is available. This is such a book. It offers a clear, evidence-based approach for the NIPE and covers all aspects of the examination as well as all of the added extras that students may not always consider. Each chapter is well written and offers tips and hints about things students should bear in mind when completing the examination.

The chapters are all linked and follow a similar pattern. Although the NIPE examination is fully explained, as would be expected, there are chapters looking at other aspects that a student will find beneficial but may not have considered without prompting. The history and evolution of the NIPE are explained. The extended role of the midwife and neonatal nurse and the expectations once qualified to complete the NIPE examination are covered, alongside the challenges of professional responsibility and clinical competence this role brings. Essential aspects such as communication are introduced, which adds another dimension to the NIPE. Fetal development and maternal influences are explored and this encourages the reader to think about their history taking skills. The largest chapter is broken down into six subsections and allows the student to clearly understand every aspect of the examination in detail. Congenital abnormalities, referral pathways and the second community examination complete the book.

Good quality photographs and drawings that add life to the text are included. The tables are clear to follow and easy to grasp, making the text more accessible to visual learners. Clinical tips and ‘think points’ throughout also add value.

Overall this is an excellent textbook that is suitable for pre- and post-registration students who are undertaking the NIPE programme at either level 6 or level 7. It is easy to navigate and should make a huge difference to those students looking for a one-stop, quality textbook.

Reviewed by Sarah Lewis Module Lead level 7 NIPE Award Lead BSc (Hons) Midwifery, Keele University