Ateneo de Zamboanga University

COLLEGE OF NURSING
PERFORMANCE EVALUATION CHECKLIST

NAME: _____________________________________ DATE PERFORMED: _________________

YEAR & SECTION: ______________

ASSESSING THE NOSE AND SINUSES

PREPARATION 1 2 3 4 5
1. Assemble equipment:
• Nasal speculum
• Flashlight/penlight
PROCEDURE
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
the client can cooperate.
2. Perform hand hygiene and observe other
appropriate infection control procedures.
3. Provide for client privacy.
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.
Assessment

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
assess patency of the opposite naris.
9. Inspect the nasal cavities using a flashlight
or a nasal speculum.
Hold the speculum in your right hand and
inspect the client’s left nostril, and in your
left hand to inspect the client’s right 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 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.

TOTAL

________________________
Clinical Instructor
(Sign over printed name)