Final answer:
Infants should undergo various health screenings throughout their first year, including blood work for metabolic conditions, vision and hearing assessments, checks for birth defects, regular physical exams, assessments for potential abuse, as well as monitoring for growth, development, and cognitive skills.
Step-by-step explanation:
Health Screenings for Infants
During infancy, which is the first year after birth, it's vital to monitor an infant's development through various health screenings. Some of these screenings include:
- Blood work for metabolic conditions: To identify metabolic or genetic disorders early.
- Vision and hearing screenings: Assess these senses and detect any impairments.
- Screening for birth defects: Various physical exams and tests can detect congenital anomalies.
- Regular physical exams: To check overall health and monitor growth and development.
- Assessments for potential abuse: Evaluating any signs that may indicate abuse.
- Observation of growth and development milestones: Checking the progress of motor, sensory, and cognitive development.
- Evaluation of cognitive skills: Gauging the infant's learning and problem-solving abilities.
These screenings help ensure that infants are developing healthily and identify any areas that may need medical attention or intervention.