Pediatric Physical Examination
A physical examination can help doctors find problems before they start and are critical checkpoints in your child’s health and development. It ensures that your child stays in good health. At ChildSmiles•FamilySmiles, we recommend a physical exam every six months for children under the age of two. After your child turns two years old, you should bring them in for a yearly physical examination and wellness checkup.
Pediatric physical exams differ from adult physicals in several ways. Getting a physical can be nerve-wracking and uncomfortable. When happening to a younger child, they may be nervous and scared. Unlike an adult, a child may also be unwilling or unable to verbalize how they really feel to help the doctor diagnose any possible conditions.
At ChildSmiles•FamilySmiles, you can count on our compassionate team to provide high-quality health services for your child. We make sure your child doesn’t experience any scary moments of discomfort while getting their physical exam.
What To Expect
During a routine physical examination, your pediatrician will perform a comprehensive physical exam to monitor the growth and development of your child. During this complete examination, your pediatrician can also detect any changes or abnormalities in your child.
Your pediatrician may ask for any updates on new developments or changes in your child’s health history. This may include questions about medications, allergies, supplements, or any recent procedures.
Your pediatrician will also check your child’s vitals, which includes taking a blood pressure reading and checking their heart rate and respiratory rate. Your child’s blood pressure should be checked at least once every year, depending on their health history.
- Blood pressure should be 90 to 110/55 to 75 mm Hg for a child.
- Heart rate values between 70 to 120 are considered normal for a child.
- Body temperature should be 95.9 to 99.5 F.
During the visual examination, your pediatrician will review your child’s appearance for signs of any potential conditions. They will check parts of the body that could visually indicate any health issues, including:
- Head
- Eyes
- Chest
- Abdomen
- Musculoskeletal system
- Nervous system functions
In some cases, your pediatrician may draw blood from your child’s arm for several laboratory tests. These may include a complete blood count and a complete metabolic panel. The metabolic panel tests your child’s blood plasma and can indicate any issues that may exist in your child’s kidneys, liver, or immune system.
A Physical Examination Usually Involves:
- Recording height and weight
- Vision and hearing tests
- Checking blood pressure and pulse
- Respiratory and cardiac activity examination
- Evaluating reflexes, strength, and flexibility
Along with a physical examination, your child may also need updated vaccinations that are necessary for maintaining optimal health.
Before your child’s physical examination, it is important to take note of the following:
- Any allergies
- Current medications
- Any symptoms or health issues
- Recent lab test results
- Any device cards, such as a pacemaker
Annual Sports Physical
Once your child is old enough to go to school, it is important to schedule their sports physical, which will allow them to participate in physical activity and school sports without staying on the sideline. A sports physical allows your pediatrician to determine if your child is in good health and if it is safe to participate in a certain sport.
During a sports physical, your pediatrician can identify anything that might put your child at an increased risk for an injury or affect their participation in a certain sport. A child’s body is continuously changing as they are growing, which is why they need a sports physical annually.
Schedule a Physical Examination Today!
To schedule a physical exam for your child, fill out the form here or call an office near you.