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NUR1202 – NCM101 HEALTH ASSESSMENT

ASSESSING HEAD TO NECK (Part 1)


(Weeks No. 6 - 8)

INTRODUCTION

This module includes basic assessment of the head, neck, eyes,


ear, nose, and mouth being used by nurses in general practice. This
also includes basic structure, structures, and landmarks necessary in
the conduct of physical assessment.

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).

The skull. (A) Anterior view. (B) Left lateral view

Structures of the Neck

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Far Eastern University
Manila, Philippines
NUR1202 – NCM101 HEALTH ASSESSMENT

Neck muscles and landmarks

Cervical vertebrae

3
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.

Head and Face Assessment

ASSESSMENT NORMAL FINDINGS DEVIATION FROM


PROCEDURES NORMAL
Inspect the head. Head size and shape An abnormally small
Inspect for size, shape, vary, especially in head is called
and configuration accord with ethnicity. microcephaly.
Usually the head is The skull and facial
symmetric, round, bones are larger and
erect, and in midline thicker in acromegaly.
and Acorn-shaped, enlarged
appropriately related to skull bones are seen in
body size Paget’s disease of the
(normocephalic). bone.
No lesions are visible.
Inspect for Head should be held Neurologic disorders
involuntary still and upright may cause a horizontal
movement. jerking movement.
4
Far Eastern University
Manila, Philippines
NUR1202 – NCM101 HEALTH ASSESSMENT
ASSESSMENT NORMAL FINDINGS DEVIATION FROM
PROCEDURES NORMAL
An involuntary nodding
movement may be
seen in patients with
aortic insufficiency.
Head tilted to one side
may indicate unilateral
vision or hearing
deficiency or shortening
of the sternomastoid
muscle.
Inspect the face. The face is symmetric Asymmetry, drooping,
Inspect for symmetry, with a round, oval, weakness, or paralysis
features, movement, elongated, or square on one side of the face
expression, and skin appearance. No
condition abnormal movements
noted.
Palpate the head. The head is normally Lesions or lumps on the
Note consistency hard and smooth, head may indicate
without lesions. recent trauma or a sign
of cancer.
Palpate the temporal The temporal artery is The temporal artery is
artery, which is elastic and not tender hard, thick, and tender
located between the with inflammation, as
top of the ear and the seen with temporal
eye arteritis (inflammation
of the temporal arteries
that may lead to
blindness).
Palpate the Normally there is no Limited range of
temporomandibular swelling, tenderness, motion, swelling,
joint (TMJ). or crepitation with tenderness, or
To assess the TMJ, movement. Mouth crepitation may
place your index finger opens and closes fully indicate TMJ syndrome.
over the front of each (3 to 6 cm between
ear as you ask the upper and lower teeth).
client to open the Lower jaw moves
mouth laterally 1 to 2 cm in
each direction.

5
Far Eastern University
Manila, Philippines
NUR1202 – NCM101 HEALTH ASSESSMENT

Inspecting the head

Palpating the temporal artery

6
Far Eastern University
Manila, Philippines
NUR1202 – NCM101 HEALTH ASSESSMENT

Palpating the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)

Neck Assessment

ASSESSMENT NORMAL FINDINGS DEVIATION FROM


PROCEDURES NORMAL
Inspect the neck. Neck is symmetric, with Swelling, enlarged
Observe the client’s head centered and masses or nodules -
slightly extended neck without bulging may indicate an
for position, symmetry, masses. enlarged thyroid gland
and lumps or masses. inflammation of lymph
Shine a light from the nodes, or a tumor.
side of the neck across
to highlight any
swelling.
Inspect movement of The thyroid cartilage, Asymmetric movement
the neck structures. cricoid cartilage move or generalized
Ask the client to upward symmetrically enlargement of the
swallow a small sip of as the client swallows. thyroid gland is
water. Observe the considered abnormal.
movement of the
thyroid cartilage,
thyroid gland
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Far Eastern University
Manila, Philippines
NUR1202 – NCM101 HEALTH ASSESSMENT
ASSESSMENT NORMAL FINDINGS DEVIATION FROM
PROCEDURES NORMAL
Inspect the cervical C7 (vertebrae Prominence or
vertebrae. prominens) is usually swellings other than
Ask the client to flex visible and palpable. the C7 vertebrae may
the neck (chin to be abnormal.
chest).
Inspect range of Normally neck Muscle spasms,
motion. movement should be inflammation, or
Ask the client to turn smooth and controlled cervical arthritis may
the head to the right with 45-degree flexion, cause stiffness, rigidity,
and to the left (chin to 55-degree extension, and limited mobility of
shoulder), touch each 40-degree lateral the neck, which may
ear to the shoulder, abduction, and 70- affect daily functioning.
touch chin to chest, degree rotation.
and lift the chin to the
ceiling.
Palpate the trachea. Trachea is midline. The trachea may be
Place your finger in the pulled to the affected
sternal notch. Feel each side in cases of large
side of the notch and atelectasis, fibrosis
palpate the tracheal or pleural adhesions.
rings. The trachea is pushed
The first upper ring to the unaffected side
above the smooth in cases of a tumor,
tracheal rings is the enlarged thyroid lobe,
cricoid cartilage. pneumothorax, or with
an aortic aneurysm.
Palpate the thyroid Landmarks are Landmarks deviate
gland. positioned midline. from midline or are
Locate key landmarks obscured because of
with your index finger masses or abnormal
and thumb growths.
Ask the client to Glandular thyroid tissue Coarse tissue or
swallow as you palpate may be felt rising irregular consistency
the right side of the underneath your may indicate an
gland. Reverse the fingers. Lobes should inflammatory process.
technique to palpate feel smooth, rubbery, Nodules should be
the left lobe of the and free of nodules. described in terms of
thyroid. location, size, and
consistency.

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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.

Neck structures move. (A) Structures rising. (B) Structures falling.

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Far Eastern University
Manila, Philippines
NUR1202 – NCM101 HEALTH ASSESSMENT

Palpating the trachea

Palpating the thyroid gland using posterior approach

10
Far Eastern University
Manila, Philippines
NUR1202 – NCM101 HEALTH ASSESSMENT

Auscultating for bruits over the thyroid gland

Palpating the tonsillar nodes and the submandibular nodes

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Far Eastern University
Manila, Philippines
NUR1202 – NCM101 HEALTH ASSESSMENT
Assessing the Eyes

Structure and Function

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.

External structures of the eye

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Far Eastern University
Manila, Philippines
NUR1202 – NCM101 HEALTH ASSESSMENT

The lacrimal apparatus consists of tear (lacrimal) glands and ducts

Extraocular muscles control the direction of eye movement

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Far Eastern University
Manila, Philippines
NUR1202 – NCM101 HEALTH ASSESSMENT

Anatomy of the eye

Evaluating Vision

ASSESSMENT NORMAL FINDINGS DEVIATION FROM


PROCEDURES NORMAL
Test distant visual Normal distant visual Myopia (impaired far
acuity. acuity is 20/20 with or vision) is present when
Position the client 20 without corrective the second number in
feet from the Snellen or lenses. This means that the test result is larger
E-chart and ask her to the client can than the first (20/40).
read each line until she distinguish what the The higher the second
cannot decipher the person with normal number, the poorer the
letters or their vision can distinguish vision. A client is
direction. from 20 feet away. considered legally blind
Document the results. when vision in the
better eye with
corrective lenses is
20/200 or less. Refer
any client with vision
worse than 20/30 for
further evaluation.

14
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

15
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

16
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.

17
Far Eastern University
Manila, Philippines
NUR1202 – NCM101 HEALTH ASSESSMENT

Snellen Chart

Performing confrontation test to assess visual fields


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Far Eastern University
Manila, Philippines
NUR1202 – NCM101 HEALTH ASSESSMENT

Performing cover test with (A) eye covered and (B) eye uncovered

Performing positions test

19
Far Eastern University
Manila, Philippines
NUR1202 – NCM101 HEALTH ASSESSMENT

External Eye Structures Assessment

ASSESSMENT NORMAL FINDINGS DEVIATION FROM


PROCEDURES NORMAL
Note the position of The lower eyelid is An inverted lower lid is
the eyelids in upright with no inward a condition called an
comparison or outward turning. entropion, which may
with the eyeballs. Eyelashes are evenly cause pain and injure
Also note any unusual distributed and curve the cornea as the
• Turnings outward along the lid eyelash brushes
• Color margins. against the conjunctiva
• Swelling and cornea.
• Lesions Ectropion, an everted
• Discharge lower eyelid, results in
exposure and drying of
the conjunctiva. Both
conditions interfere
with normal tear
drainage.

Observe for redness, Skin on both eyelids is Redness and crusting


swelling, discharge, without redness, along the lid margins
or lesions. swelling, or lesions. suggest seborrhea or
blepharitis, an infection
caused by
Staphylococcus aureus.
Hordeolum (stye), a
hair follicle infection,
causes local redness,
swelling, and pain. A
chalazion, an infection
of the Meibomian gland
(located in the eyelid),
may produce extreme
swelling of the lid,
moderate redness, but
minimal pain

20
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 bulbar Bulbar conjunctiva is Generalized redness of


conjunctiva and clear, moist, and the conjunctiva
sclera. smooth. Underlying suggests
Have the client keep structures are clearly conjunctivitis (pink
the head straight while visible. Sclera is white. eye).
looking from side to Areas of dryness are
side then up toward the associated with
ceiling. Observe clarity, allergies
color, and texture. or trauma.
Episcleritis is a local,
noninfectious
inflammation
of the sclera. The
condition is usually
characterized by either
a nodular appearance
or by redness with
dilated vessels.

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.

21
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

Inspect the lacrimal No swelling or redness Swelling of the lacrimal


apparatus. should appear over gland may be visible in
Assess the areas over areas of the lacrimal the lateral aspect of the
the lacrimal glands gland. The puncta is upper eyelid. This may
(lateral aspect of upper visible without swelling be caused by blockage,
eyelid) and the puncta or redness and is infection, or an
(medial turned slightly toward inflammatory condition.
aspect of lower eyelid). the eye. Redness or swelling
around the puncta may
indicate an infectious or
inflammatory condition.
Excessive tearing may
indicate a nasolacrimal
sac obstruction.

22
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

Inspect the cornea The cornea is Areas of roughness or


and lens. transparent, with no dryness on the cornea
Shine a light from the opacities. are often associated
side of the eye for an The oblique view shows with injury or allergic
oblique view. a smooth and overall responses. Opacities of
Look through the pupil moist surface; the lens the lens are seen with
to inspect the lens. is free of opacities. cataracts

Inspect the iris and The iris is typically Typical abnormal


pupil. round, flat, and evenly findings include
Inspect shape and colored. The pupil, irregularly shaped
color of iris and size round with a regular irises, miosis,
and shape of pupil. border, is centered in mydriasis, and
Measure pupils against the iris. Pupils are anisocoria.
a gauge if they appear normally equal in size If the difference in
larger or smaller than (3 to 5 mm). An pupil size changes
normal inequality in pupil size throughout pupillary
or if they appear to be of less than 0.5 mm response tests, the
two different sizes. occurs in 20% inequality of size is
of clients. This abnormal.
condition, called
anisocoria, is normal.

23
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

Inspecting the bulbar conjunctiva. Inspecting palpebral


conjunctiva: lower eyelid

25
Far Eastern University
Manila, Philippines
NUR1202 – NCM101 HEALTH ASSESSMENT

Everting the upper eyelid

Palpating the lacrimal apparatus

26
Far Eastern University
Manila, Philippines
NUR1202 – NCM101 HEALTH ASSESSMENT

Testing accommodation of pupils

27
Far Eastern University
Manila, Philippines
NUR1202 – NCM101 HEALTH ASSESSMENT

Assessing Ears

Structure and Function

The ear is the sense organ of hearing and equilibrium. It consists of


three distinct parts: the external ear, the middle ear, and the inner ear. The
tympanic membrane separates the external ear from the middle ear. Both
the external ear and the tympanic membrane can be assessed by direct
inspection and by using an otoscope. The middle and inner ear cannot be
directly inspected. Instead, testing hearing acuity and the conduction of
sound assesses these parts of the ear.

The Ear - Structures in the outer, middle, and inner divisions


28
Far Eastern University
Manila, Philippines
NUR1202 – NCM101 HEALTH ASSESSMENT

Pathways of hearing

External Ear Structures Assessment

ASSESSMENT NORMAL FINDINGS DEVIATION FROM


PROCEDURES NORMAL
Inspect the auricle, Ears are equal in size Ears are smaller than 4
tragus, and lobule. bilaterally (normally 4– cm or larger than
Note size, shape, and 10 cm). 10 cm.
position The auricle aligns with Malaligned or low-set
the corner of each eye ears may be seen with
and within a 10-degree genitourinary disorders
angle of the vertical or chromosomal
position. defects.
Earlobes may be free,
attached, or soldered
(tightly attached to
adjacent skin with no
apparent
lobe).
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Far Eastern University
Manila, Philippines
NUR1202 – NCM101 HEALTH ASSESSMENT
ASSESSMENT NORMAL FINDINGS DEVIATION FROM
PROCEDURES NORMAL
Continue inspecting The skin is smooth, Some abnormal
the auricle, tragus, with no lesions, lumps, findings suggest
and lobule. or various
Observe for lesions, nodules. Color is disorders, including:
discolorations, and consistent with facial • Enlarged preauricular
discharge. color. and postauricular
Darwin’s tubercle, lymph nodes—infection
which is a clinically • Tophi (nontender,
insignificant hard, cream-colored
projection, may be nodules on the helix or
seen on the auricle. antihelix, containing
No discharge should be uric acid crystals)—
present. gout
• Blocked sebaceous
glands—postauricular
cysts
• Ulcerated, crusted
nodules that bleed—
skin cancer (most often
seen on the helix
due to skin exposure)
• Redness, swelling,
scaling, or itching—
otitis externa
• Pale blue ear color—
frostbite

Palpate the auricle Normally the auricle, A painful auricle or


and mastoid process. tragus, and mastoid tragus is associated
process are not tender. with otitis externa or a
postauricular cyst.
Tenderness over the
mastoid process
suggests mastoiditis.
Tenderness behind the
ear may occur with
otitis media.

30
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

31
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

32
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

The Weber test

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Far Eastern University
Manila, Philippines
NUR1202 – NCM101 HEALTH ASSESSMENT

The Rinne’s test compares air and bone conduction sounds

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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Far Eastern University
Manila, Philippines

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