Republic of the Philippines

President Ramon Magsaysay State University

(formerly Ramon Magsaysay Technological University)
Iba, Zambales, Philippines
Tel/Fax No.: (047) 811-1683

COLLEGE OF NURSING
Name:________________________________Section/Group:_______________Date:____________

Rating
5 Correctly and independently performs procedure and states complete rationale
4 Performs procedure and states rationale with minimal guidance
3 Satisfactorily performs procedure with moderate guidance
2 Procedure incorrectly done without rationale
1 Procedure not performed

Assessing the Nose and Sinuses

Procedure 5 4 3 2 1
Assemble equipment:
 Nasal speculum
 Flashlight/ penlight
1. Introduce yourself and verify the client’s identity. Explain to
the client what you are going to do, why it is necessary, and how
she/he can cooperate.
2. Perform hand hygiene and observe appropriate infection
control procedures.
3. Provide for client privacy
Assessment
4. Inquire if the client has any history of the following:
 Allergies
 Difficulty breathing through the nose
 Sinus infections
 Injuries to nose or face
 Nosebleeds
 Any medications taken
 Any changes in sense of smell
5. Position the client comfortably – seated, if possible.
Nose
6. Inspect the external nose for any deviations in shape, size, or
color and flaring, or discharge from the nares.
7. Lightly palpate the external nose to determine any areas of
tenderness, masses, or displacements of bone and cartilage.
8. Determine patency of both nasal cavities.
 Ask the client to close the mouth, exert pressure on one naris, and
breathe through the opposite naris. Repeat the procedure to asses
patency of the opposite naris.
9. Inspect the nasal cavities using a flashlight or nasal speculum.
 Hold the speculum in your right hand and inspect the client’s left
nostril.
 Tip the client’s head back.
 Facing the client, insert the tip of the closed speculum about 1 cm,
or up to the point at which the blade widens. Care must be taken to
avoid pressure on the sensitive nasal septum.
 Stabilize the speculum with your index finger against the side of the
nose. Use the other hand to position the head and then to hold the
light.
 Open the speculum as much as possible and inspect the floor of the
 Republic of the Philippines
President Ramon Magsaysay State University
(formerly Ramon Magsaysay Technological University)
Iba, Zambales, Philippines
Tel/Fax No.: (047) 811-1683

COLLEGE OF NURSING
nose, the anterior portion of the septum, the middle meatus, and the
middle turbinates. The posterior turbinate rarely is visualized
because of its position.
 Inspect the lining of the nares and the integrity and the position of
the nasal septum.
10. Observe for the presence of redness, swelling, growths, and
discharge.
11. Inspect the nasal septum between the nasal chambers.
Facial Sinuses
12. Palpate the maxillary and frontal sinuses for tenderness.
13. Document findings in the client record.

Actual Score Actual Score

Computation: ×60+ 40= ×60+ 40=Grade
Total Score ❑
Grade:_______________
Remarks:__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________

Evaluated by:

___________________
Clinical Instructor

Conforme:

___________________
Signature of Student