How to examine Children and Adolescent? Part -2

Pediatrics examination is an important procedure done among children starting from newborn to the other growth stage. Pediatrics recommend that parents schedule at least an annual wellness check or a check-up at any time when important healthcare concerns arise

HISTORY
The approach to the examination will be determined by the age, level of development and level of understanding of the child.
In very young children who have limited speech or no speech, the history should be taken through the parents or parent and the doctor learns to interpret it
In the adolescent, it may be necessary to invite the parent to leave so that further history can be taken. This time should be used to ask questions about alcohol, drugs and sexual activity which such person may be uncomfortable discussing in front of the parents.

In case of any current sickness, the doctor may ask questions about the sickness .The aim is to investigate, reach a correct diagnosis and establish the context of a child’s illness whether psychological, family and social context.
Questions may include:
• Any prior episodes of similar sickness
• How it developed
• What aggravates or relieves the symptom(s)
• If there is any contact with the same sickness in siblings or infectious outbreaks
• Any recent overseas travel
• If the symptoms have kept the child from attending school
• Whether there has been weight loss or gain