Chapter 14: Head, Face, Neck, and Regional Lymphatics Flashcards
Subjective Data
Ask about history of or recurring:
HA
Head injury
Dizziness
Neck pain, ROM
Lumps or swelling
Head or neck surgery
What could neck pain be a sign of?
Meningitis
Headaches
Ask about:
Onset, frequency, worst HA of their life, patterns
Nausea or vomiting
Paralysis
Sensory loss
Weakness, ataxia, LOC
Stiff neck
Systemic illness
Hyperthyroidism
Intensified metabolism –> body in overdrive
Fatigue
Weight loss
Heart palpitation or increase HR
Heat intolerance
Fine, limp hair
Muscle weakness
MORE CONCERNING
Hypothyroidism
Whole body slows down
Fatigue
Weight gain, trouble losing weight
Dry skin
Coarse hair
Cold intolerance
Menstrual irregularities
Decreased libido
Inspection of Head
Size and shape: normocephalic = normal finding; hydrocephaly = abnormal
Facial features should be symmetrical
Inspection of the Hair
Distribution and quantity (alopecia, balding)
Texture and cleanliness (lice, mites, etc.)
Inspection of Neck
Muscles
Is the trachea midline?
Masses, swelling (goiters)
What might be a concern if the trachea is not midline?
Pneumothorax = trachea shifts to side of collapse to compensate
Trachea off midline = airway concern
Palpation of Head and Neck
Scalp (masses, lumps, scabs, breakdown)
TMJ
CN V, CN VII, CN XI
Lymph nodes
Trachea
Carotid pulse
Cervical spine ROM
How do we assess TMJ?
Place fingers on both sides; ask patient to open mouth; listen/feel for grinding, popping, asymmetry
How do we assess CN V (Trigeminal)?
Ask patient to clench their jaw while you feel the masseter;
Ask patient to open mouth against your resistance against their chin
How do we assess CN VII (Facial)?
Use a q-tip to assess sensation;
How do we assess facial muscles?
Ask the patient to smile, frown, puff their cheeks out
How do we assess range of motion for neck?
Ask patient to look up/down, left/right, ear to shoulder
