make sure you have Access to the pt, they are ok with you performing the exam
Looking directly at the patient to see if they are having any pain
direct observation
What conditions must be present for Direct observation?
patient is seated up (for us at this time)
light must be in proper position
effective retraction for accessibility and visibility
mus be accurate and thorough in direct observation
use of a single finger
digital
example of digital palpation?
index finger applied to inner border of the mandible beneath the canine - premolar area to determine the presence of a torus mandibularis
use of a finger and thumb of the same hand
bidigital
example of bidigital palpation?
palpation of the lips
use of finger, or fingers and thumb from each hand applied simultaneously in coordination.
bimanual
example of bimanual palpation?
index finger of one hand palpates on the floor of the mouth inside, while a finger, or fingers from the other hand press on the same area from under the chin externally
the two hands are used at the same time to examine corresponding structures on opposite sides of the body.
bilateral
example of bilateral palpation?
fingers placed beneath the chin to palpate the submandibular lymph nodes
What are the advantages of following a routine order for examination?
minimal possibility of overlooking an area and missing details of importance
increased efficiency and conservation of time
maintenance of a professional atmosphere, which inspires the pts confidence
When do you observe the overall appraisal of a patient?
during reception
What features do you observe during appraisal of the patient?
posutre
gait
general health status
hair
breathing
voice
Why would the gait (how the pt walks) of a pt be an important observation?
because if the patient has had joint replacements they may need to be premedicated
What should you observe about a patients face upon recieving them?
Expression
shape
jaw movement
skin
landmarks of:
eyes
ears
nose
facial expression observation?
see if the patient is scared, stressed, or anxios
face shape examination?
observe to see if the face is symmetrical, if there is any swelling etc.
jaw movement observation?
check to see if they look normal and comfortable in opening, closing, and moving their jaw
Term for whites of the eye?
What should we observe of this?
sclera
color:
yellow could indicate jaundice
red could indicate drug use
What should we observe of the pupil?
size:
if eyes are dialated in a bright room, it could indicate drug use, medication, or that they are not recieving enough oxygen
What should we observe about the lateral and medial canthus of the eyes?
make sure there is no scabbing
True or False. We should offer safety glasses to a patient who has regular eye glasses?
true
What might protruding eyeballs mean?
hyperthyroidism
true or false. We should wear gloves during the extra oral exam, and change them after?
