Auriscope examination Flashcards
1
Q
Describe the full Auriscope examination
A
- Screen for any pain
- Ensure the patient is seated comfortably
- Select the largest appropriate speculum
- Attach speculum to auriscope by twisting action, ensure that the speculum is firmly in place
- Hold the auriscope and ask the patient to slightly turn head away from examiner
- Inspect the outer ear and the meatus, then gently pull the pinna upwards and backwards (in an adult)
- Rest your little finger on the patients cheek for support
- Inspect the auditory canal and visualise the tympanic membrane looking for surface landmarks
- Remove auriscope gently and repeat on other ear - change speculum if any discharge was present
2
Q
How do you hold an auriscope?
A
Right hand for Right ear and vice versa
Pinky resting on patients face
3
Q
What are the landmarks behind the tympanic membrane you are commenting on?
A
- Handle of malleus
- Light reflex
- Pars flaccida
- Pars tensa
- Posterior fold
4
Q
What are you looking for in the ear?
A
- Auditory canal - wax, foreign bodies, discharge, skin quality
- Tympanic membrane
- Colour - should be pinkish/grey
- Perforation
- Fluid/effusion
- Behind tympanic membrane for any visible features (pars tensa, parsa flaccida, handle/lateral process of malleolus, cone of light)