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Assessing Head To Neck Part 1 - CNVS
Assessing Head To Neck Part 1 - CNVS
INTRODUCTION
LEARNING OUTCOME
1. Demonstrate knowledge of anatomy and physiology of head to neck.
2. Apply the different assessment techniques in assessing head to neck to an
actual client.
3. Identify and document normal and deviation from normal findings from the
different assessment techniques in assessing head to neck.
OUTLINE
1. Structure and Function
2. Head and Face Assessment
3. Neck Assessment
4. Lymph Nodes of the Head and Neck
5. Assessing Head to Neck
6. Evaluating Vision
7. External Eye Structure Assessment
8. Ear Assessment
9. References
CONTENT
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Far Eastern University
Manila, Philippines
NUR1202 – NCM101 HEALTH ASSESSMENT
Structure and Function
Head and neck assessment focuses on the cranium, face, thyroid gland,
and lymph nodes contained within the head and neck and the sensory organs
(eyes, ears, nose, and mouth).
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Far Eastern University
Manila, Philippines
NUR1202 – NCM101 HEALTH ASSESSMENT
Cervical vertebrae
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Far Eastern University
Manila, Philippines
NUR1202 – NCM101 HEALTH ASSESSMENT
Lymph nodes in the neck (left). Direction of lymph flow (right). Note: Lymph
nodes (green dots) that are covered by hair may be palpated in the scalp
under the hair.
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Far Eastern University
Manila, Philippines
NUR1202 – NCM101 HEALTH ASSESSMENT
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Far Eastern University
Manila, Philippines
NUR1202 – NCM101 HEALTH ASSESSMENT
Neck Assessment
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Far Eastern University
Manila, Philippines
NUR1202 – NCM101 HEALTH ASSESSMENT
ASSESSMENT NORMAL FINDINGS DEVIATION FROM
PROCEDURES NORMAL
Auscultate the No bruits are A soft, blowing,
thyroid only if you auscultated. swishing sound
find an enlarged auscultated over the
thyroid gland during thyroid lobes is often
inspection or heard in
palpation. Place the hyperthyroidism
bell of the stethoscope because of an increase
over the lateral lobes of in blood flow through
the thyroid gland. Ask the thyroid arteries.
the client to hold his or
her breath.
Palpate the lymph There is no swelling or Head and neck cancer
nodes. enlargement and no includes cancers of the
tenderness. mouth, nose, sinuses,
salivary glands, throat,
and lymph nodes in the
neck.
Enlarged nodes are
abnormal.
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Far Eastern University
Manila, Philippines
NUR1202 – NCM101 HEALTH ASSESSMENT
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Far Eastern University
Manila, Philippines
NUR1202 – NCM101 HEALTH ASSESSMENT
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Far Eastern University
Manila, Philippines
NUR1202 – NCM101 HEALTH ASSESSMENT
Assessing the Eyes
The eye transmits visual stimuli to the brain for interpretation and, in
doing so, functions as the organ of vision. The eyeball is located in the eye
orbit, a round, bony hollow formed by several different bones of the skull. In
the orbit, a cushion of fat surrounds the eye. The bony orbit and fat cushion
protect the eyeball.
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Far Eastern University
Manila, Philippines
NUR1202 – NCM101 HEALTH ASSESSMENT
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Far Eastern University
Manila, Philippines
NUR1202 – NCM101 HEALTH ASSESSMENT
Evaluating Vision
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Far Eastern University
Manila, Philippines
NUR1202 – NCM101 HEALTH ASSESSMENT
ASSESSMENT NORMAL FINDINGS DEVIATION FROM
PROCEDURES NORMAL
Test near visual Normal near visual Presbyopia (impaired
acuity. acuity is 14/14 (with or near vision) is indicated
Use this test for without corrective when the client moves
middle-aged clients and lenses). This means the chart away from
others who complain of that the client can read the eyes to focus on
difficulty reading. Give what the normal eye the print. It is caused
the client a hand-held can read from a by decreased
vision chart (e.g., distance of 14 inches. accommodation.
Jaeger reading card,
Snellen card, or
comparable chart) to
hold 14 inches from the
eyes. Have the client
cover one eye with an
opaque card before
reading from top
(largest print) to
bottom (smallest print).
Repeat test for other
eye
Test visual fields for With normal peripheral A delayed or absent
gross peripheral vision, the client should perception of the
vision. see the examiner’s examiner’s finger
To perform the finger at the same time indicates reduced
confrontation test, the examiner sees it. peripheral vision.
position yourself Normal visual field Refer the client for
approximately 2 feet degrees are further evaluation.
away from the client at approximately as
eye level. Have the follows:
client cover the left eye • Inferior: 70 degrees
while you cover your • Superior: 50 degrees
right eye. Look directly • Temporal: 90 degrees
at each other with your • Nasal: 60 degrees
uncovered eyes. Next,
fully extend your left
arm at midline and
slowly move one finger
(or a pencil) upward
from below until the
client sees your finger
(or pencil). Test the
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Far Eastern University
Manila, Philippines
NUR1202 – NCM101 HEALTH ASSESSMENT
ASSESSMENT NORMAL FINDINGS DEVIATION FROM
PROCEDURES NORMAL
remaining three visual
fields of the client’s
right eye (i.e., superior,
temporal, and nasal).
Repeat the test for the
opposite eye.
Perform corneal light The reflection of light Asymmetric position of
reflex test. on the corneas should the light reflex
This test assesses be in the exact same indicates deviated
parallel alignment of spot on each eye, alignment of the eyes.
the eyes. Hold a which indicates parallel This may be due to
penlight approximately alignment. muscle weakness or
12 inches from the paralysis
client’s face. Shine the
light toward the bridge
of the nose while the
client stares straight
ahead. Note the light
reflected on the
corneas.
Perform cover test. The uncovered eye The uncovered eye will
The cover test detects should remain fixed move to establish focus
deviation in alignment straight ahead. The when the opposite eye
or strength and slight covered eye should is covered.
deviations in eye remain fixed straight When the covered eye
movement by ahead after being is uncovered,
interrupting the fusion uncovered. movement to
reflex that normally reestablish focus
keeps the eyes parallel. occurs. Either of these
Ask the client to stare findings indicates a
straight ahead and deviation in alignment
focus on a distant of the eyes and muscle
object. Cover one of weakness
the client’s eyes with
an opaque card.
As you cover the eye,
observe the uncovered
eye for movement.
Now remove the
opaque card and
observe the previously
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Far Eastern University
Manila, Philippines
NUR1202 – NCM101 HEALTH ASSESSMENT
ASSESSMENT NORMAL FINDINGS DEVIATION FROM
PROCEDURES NORMAL
covered eye for any
movement. Repeat test
on the opposite eye.
Perform the Eye movement should Failure of eyes to follow
positions test, be smooth and movement
which assesses eye symmetric symmetrically
muscle strength and throughout all six in any or all directions
cranial nerve function. directions indicates a weakness in
Instruct the client to one or more
focus on an object you extraocular
are holding muscles or dysfunction
(approximately 12 of the cranial nerve
inches from the client’s that innervates the
face). Move the object particular muscle.
through Nystagmus—an
the six cardinal oscillating (shaking)
positions of gaze in a movement of the eye—
clockwise may be associated with
direction, and observe an inner ear disorder,
the client’s eye multiple sclerosis, brain
movements lesions, or narcotics
use.
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Far Eastern University
Manila, Philippines
NUR1202 – NCM101 HEALTH ASSESSMENT
Snellen Chart
Performing cover test with (A) eye covered and (B) eye uncovered
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Far Eastern University
Manila, Philippines
NUR1202 – NCM101 HEALTH ASSESSMENT
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Far Eastern University
Manila, Philippines
NUR1202 – NCM101 HEALTH ASSESSMENT
ASSESSMENT NORMAL FINDINGS DEVIATION FROM
PROCEDURES NORMAL
Observe the position Eyeballs are Protrusion of the
and alignment of symmetrically aligned eyeballs accompanied
the eyeball in the in sockets without by retracted eyelid
eye socket. protruding or sinking. margins is termed
exophthalmos and is
characteristic of
Graves’ disease (a type
of hyperthyroidism). A
sunken appearance of
the eyes may be seen
with severe
dehydration or chronic
wasting illnesses.
Inspect the palpebral The lower and upper Cyanosis of the lower
conjunctiva. palpebral conjunctivae lid suggests a heart or
are clear and free of lung disorder.
swelling or lesions.
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Far Eastern University
Manila, Philippines
NUR1202 – NCM101 HEALTH ASSESSMENT
ASSESSMENT NORMAL FINDINGS DEVIATION FROM
PROCEDURES NORMAL
Evert the upper eyelid. Palpebral conjunctiva is A foreign body or lesion
Ask the client to look free of swelling, foreign may cause irritation,
down with his or her bodies, or trauma. burning, pain and/or
eyes slightly open. swelling of the upper
Gently grasp the eyelid.
client’s upper eyelashes
and pull the lid
downward.
Place a cotton-tipped
applicator
approximately 1 cm
above the eyelid
margin and push down
with the applicator
while still holding the
eyelashes
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Far Eastern University
Manila, Philippines
NUR1202 – NCM101 HEALTH ASSESSMENT
ASSESSMENT NORMAL FINDINGS DEVIATION FROM
PROCEDURES NORMAL
Palpate the lacrimal No drainage should be Expressed drainage
apparatus. noted from the puncta from the puncta on
Put on disposable when palpating the palpation occurs with
gloves to palpate the nasolacrimal duct. duct blockage.
nasolacrimal duct to
assess for blockage.
Use one finger and
palpate just inside the
lower orbital rim
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Far Eastern University
Manila, Philippines
NUR1202 – NCM101 HEALTH ASSESSMENT
ASSESSMENT NORMAL FINDINGS DEVIATION FROM
PROCEDURES NORMAL
Test pupillary The normal direct Monocular blindness
reaction to light. pupillary response is can be detected when
Test for direct response constriction. light directed to the
by darkening the room blind eye results in no
and asking the client to response in either
focus on a distant pupil. When light is
object. To test direct directed into the
pupil reaction, shine a unaffected eye, both
light obliquely into one pupils constrict.
eye and observe the
pupillary reaction.
Shining the light
obliquely into the pupil
and asking the client to
focus on an object in
the distance
ensures that pupillary
constriction is a
reaction
to light and not a near
reaction.
Assess consensual The normal consensual Pupils do not react at
response at the same pupillary response is all to direct and
time as direct response constriction. consensual
by shining a light pupillary testing.
obliquely into one eye
and observing the
pupillary reaction in the
opposite eye.
Test accommodation The normal pupillary Pupils do not constrict;
of pupils. response is constriction eyes do not converge.
Accommodation occurs of the pupils and
when the client moves convergence of the
his or her focus of eyes
vision from a distant when focusing on a
point to a near object, near object
causing the pupils to (accommodation
constrict. and convergence).
Hold your finger or a
pencil about 12 to 15
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Far Eastern University
Manila, Philippines
NUR1202 – NCM101 HEALTH ASSESSMENT
ASSESSMENT NORMAL FINDINGS DEVIATION FROM
PROCEDURES NORMAL
inches from the client.
Ask the client to
focus on your finger or
pencil and to remain
focused on it as you
move it closer in
toward the eyes
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Far Eastern University
Manila, Philippines
NUR1202 – NCM101 HEALTH ASSESSMENT
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Far Eastern University
Manila, Philippines
NUR1202 – NCM101 HEALTH ASSESSMENT
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Far Eastern University
Manila, Philippines
NUR1202 – NCM101 HEALTH ASSESSMENT
Assessing Ears
Pathways of hearing
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Far Eastern University
Manila, Philippines
NUR1202 – NCM101 HEALTH ASSESSMENT
ASSESSMENT NORMAL FINDINGS DEVIATION FROM
PROCEDURES NORMAL
Inspect the external A small amount of Abnormal findings
auditory canal. odorless cerumen associated with specific
Use the otoscope. Note (earwax) is the only disorders include:
any discharge along discharge normally • Foul-smelling, sticky,
with the present. Cerumen color yellow discharge—otitis
color and consistency may be yellow, orange, externa or impacted
of cerumen (earwax). red, brown, gray, or foreign body
black. Consistency may • Bloody, purulent
be soft, moist, dry, discharge—otitis media
flaky, with ruptured tympanic
or even hard. membrane
• Blood or watery
drainage (cerebrospinal
fluid)—skull trauma
(refer client to
physician
immediately)
• Impacted cerumen
blocking the view of the
external ear canal—
conductive hearing loss
• Refer any client with
presence of foreign
bodies such as bugs,
plants, or food to the
health care practitioner
for prompt removal due
to possible swelling and
infection.
Observe the color and The canal walls should Abnormal findings in
consistency of the ear be pink and smooth, the ear canal may
canal walls and inspect without nodules. include:
the • Reddened, swollen
character of any canals—otitis externa
nodules. • Exostoses
(nonmalignant nodular
swellings)
• Polyps may block the
view of the eardrum
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Far Eastern University
Manila, Philippines
NUR1202 – NCM101 HEALTH ASSESSMENT
ASSESSMENT NORMAL FINDINGS DEVIATION FROM
PROCEDURES NORMAL
Inspect the tympanic The tympanic Abnormal findings in
membrane membrane should be the tympanic
(eardrum). pearly, gray, membrane
Note color, shape, shiny, and translucent, may include:
consistency, and with no bulging or • Red, bulging eardrum
landmarks. retraction. and distorted,
It is slightly concave, diminished, or absent
smooth, and intact. A light reflex—acute otitis
cone-shaped reflection media
of the otoscope light is • Yellowish, bulging
normally seen at 5 membrane with
o’clock in the right ear bubbles behind—serous
and 7 o’clock in the left otitis media
ear. The short process • Bluish or dark red
and handle of the color—blood behind the
malleus and the umbo eardrum from skull
are clearly visible trauma
• White spots—scarring
from infection
• Perforations—trauma
from infection
• Prominent
landmarks—eardrum
retraction from
negative ear pressure
resulting from an
obstructed eustachian
tube
• Obscured or absent
landmarks—eardrum
thickening from chronic
otitis media
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Far Eastern University
Manila, Philippines
NUR1202 – NCM101 HEALTH ASSESSMENT
ASSESSMENT NORMAL FINDINGS DEVIATION FROM
PROCEDURES NORMAL
Hearing and Equilibrium Tests
Perform the whisper Able to correctly repeat Unable to repeat the
test the two-syllable word two-syllable word after
With your head 2 feet as two tries indicates
behind the client (so whispered. hearing loss and
that the client cannot requires
see your lips move), follow-up testing by an
whisper a two-syllable audiologist.
word such as “popcorn”
or “football.” Ask the
client to repeat it back
to you. If the response
is incorrect the first
time, whisper the word
one more time.
Identifying three out of
six whispered words is
considered passing the
test.
Perform Weber’s test Vibrations are heard With conductive
if the client reports equally well in both hearing loss, the client
diminished or lost ears. No lateralization reports lateralization of
hearing of sound to either ear. sound to the poor
in one ear ear—that is, the client
“hears” the sounds in
the poor ear. The good
ear is distracted by
background noise and
conducted air, which
the poor ear has
trouble hearing. Thus
the poor ear receives
most of the sound
conducted by bone
vibration.
With sensorineural
hearing loss, the client
reports lateralization of
sound to the good ear.
This is because of
limited perception of
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Far Eastern University
Manila, Philippines
NUR1202 – NCM101 HEALTH ASSESSMENT
ASSESSMENT NORMAL FINDINGS DEVIATION FROM
PROCEDURES NORMAL
the sound due to nerve
damage in the bad
ear, making sound
seem louder in the
unaffected ear.
Perform the Rinne’s Air conduction sound is With conductive
test. normally heard longer hearing loss, bone
Strike a tuning fork and than bone conduction conduction
place the base of the sound (AC > BC). (BC) sound is heard
fork on the client’s longer than or equally
mastoid process. as long as air
Ask the client to tell conduction (AC) sound
you when the sound is (BC ≥ AC).
no longer heard.
Move the prongs of the
tuning fork to the front
of the external auditory
canal. Ask the client to
tell you if the sound is
audible after the fork is
moved.
Perform the Client maintains Client moves feet apart
Romberg test. position for 20 seconds to prevent falls or
This tests the client’s without starts to fall from loss
equilibrium. Ask the swaying or with of balance. This may
client to stand with feet minimal swaying. indicate a vestibular
together, arms at disorder.
sides, and eyes open,
then with the eyes
closed.
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Far Eastern University
Manila, Philippines
NUR1202 – NCM101 HEALTH ASSESSMENT
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Far Eastern University
Manila, Philippines
NUR1202 – NCM101 HEALTH ASSESSMENT
REFERENCES:
Weber, J. R., RN, EdD, & Kelly, J. H., RN, PhD. (2018). Health Assessment in
Nursing (6th ed.).
Berman, A., Snyder, S., & Frandsen, G. (2016). Kozier &Erb’s Fundamentals
of Nursing: Concepts, Process & Practice (10th ed.).
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Manila, Philippines