Last updated: March 23, 2022 Show
SummaryExamination of the head and neck is a fundamental part of the standard physical examination. It is typically one of the first parts of the physical examination and is performed with the patient in a seated position. Because the complete head and neck examination is lengthy, it is usually tailored to the patient's history and presenting complaint. In adult patients, the parts of the examination dealing with the ears and nose are generally not required unless there is a pertinent complaint. Examination of the head
[1][2] Examination of the earsOtoscopy is an integral part of all pediatric examinations. It is usually only performed in adults if they have mentioned ear discomfort. Screening assessmentsTuning fork tests
Overview of possible findingsGelle testAdditional tests
When screening for hearing loss, examine each ear individually in a quiet room. References:[1][2] Focused examination of the eyesInspection and palpation
Pupils
Visual acuity
Visual field testing
Examination of extraocular muscles
References:[1][2] Examination of the neckExamination of the thyroid
References:[1][2] Examination of the nose and throatSigns and differential diagnosisRed flag symptoms of the head and neckReferences:[1][2] References
Which vessel is the nurse assessing if the major artery of the neck is being examined?Carotid artery
Your two carotid arteries are located on each side of your neck. They deliver blood from your heart to your brain.
Which structure in the neck is being examined when the nurse palpates the sternal notch with her finger?Attempt to locate the thyroid isthmus by palpating between the cricoid cartilage and the suprasternal notch. Use one hand to slightly retract the sternocleidomastoid muscle while using the other to palpate the thyroid.
Which factor would the nurse recognize as a cause of neck pain in a client?Common causes of neck pain include: poor posture (the way your body is positioned when standing or sitting) sleeping in an awkward position. tension in your muscles.
What structure is found midline in the tracheal area just beneath the mandible?The hyoid bone (hyoid) is a small U-shaped (horseshoe-shaped) solitary bone, situated in the midline of the neck anteriorly at the base of the mandible and posteriorly at the fourth cervical vertebra.
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