a systematic visual examination of a patient's general appearance, skin, or part of the body to observe its conditions
inspection
the examination of a part of the body by using the fingertips to move or compress a structure against the underlying tissue. the finger tips are used for this
palpation
the sequence for examination of the head and neck must be followed__________with every pateint to ensure a_____________exam. The specific order can vary from__________to____________. It is most important that once a clinician chooses a sequence they keep_____ _________sequence of examination every time to ensure___________.
consistently
complete
clinician
clinician
the same
thoroughness
describe 3 proper techniques for palpation
compress firmly on underlying structure - no "dancing"
compress structure 1/2 inch against tissue
apply pressure in a circular motion using mainly the 2 middle fingers
What can you expect to see in normal findings of the oral exam procedure and findings of the head, neck, face, and skin?
face and neck appear symmetrical
skin is intact and uniform of color
there is an even distribution of hair of scalp
normal moles
Show the correct way to record extra oral and intra oral findings in the chart:
Date:___ HHX no cx to tx. P:___ R:___ BP: LA ___ SI, CII; EO/IO within normal limits (WNL)
What are noteable findings of EO exam of the head, neck, face, and skin?
lesions or color change of the skin
uneven pattern of hair loss
lesions
masses in the neck
wounds, bruises, scars
swelling of the face or neck
asymmetry of the face or neck
name 4 compression techniques
one hand
both hands
compression against underlying structures
compression against underlying tissues
technique and example of one hand compression?
compress the sternomastoid muscle of the neck between the fingers and the thumb
roll tissue for submandibular gland
what is the compression technique used for the TMJ?
both hands
what compression technique is used for the thyriod?
underlying structure:
press and palpate the structure against the underlying tissue
What compression technique is used for lymphnodes?
underlying tissue:
lymph nodes, press them 1/2 inch in
true or false. It is rare to detect anything from palpating healthy structures.
true
describe what you will find for each of the following categories in healthy structures:
a. surface
b. shape
c. consistency
d. mobility
e. tenderness
a. smooth and flat
b. symmetrical
c. smooth, note if any roughness is felt
d. nodes should be mobile, a fixed node is a serious issue
e. it shouldn't hurt the pt.
are lymph nodes detectable if they are healthy and normal?
no
What are 6 noteable characteristics of infected lymph nodes?
firm and tender
enlarged and warm
bilateral - swelling on both sides
freely moveable from underlying structures (cyst)
feels like a swollen grape
some nodes remain permanently swollen after an infection
What are 5 characteristics of malignancies of lymph nodes of the head and neck?
