Nose

Expected findings

Nostrils patent bilaterally
Obligate nose breathers
No nasal discharge

Common variations

Sneezes to clear nostrils
Bridge appears absent
Thin white nasal mucus discharge

Signs of potential distress or deviations from expected findings

Choanal atresia and discharge
Malformation
Nasal flaring beyond first few moments after birth

Mouth and Throat

Expected findings

Mucosa moist. Shortly after birth may visualize sucking calluses on central portions of lips.



Palate high arched



Uvula midline
Minimal or absent salivation
Tongue moves freely and does not protrude
Well developed fat pads bilateral cheeks
Sucking reflex
Rooting reflex
Gag reflex
Extrusion reflex

Common variations

Epstein's pearls on ridges of gums

Signs of potential distress or deviations from expected findings

Cleft lip or cleft palate
Circumoral pallor
Lip movement asymmetrical
Reflexes absent or incomplete
Protruding tongue
Candida Albicans



Diminished tongue movement
Percocious teeth

Neck

Expected findings

Short and thick
Turns easily side to side
Clavicles intact
Tonic neck reflex present
Neck-righting reflex present
Some head control

Signs of potential distress or deviations from expected findings

Torticollis-stiff neck drawing head to one side
Resistance to flexion
Webbing of neck
Large fat pad on back of neck
Palpable crepitus, movement with palpation of clavicle