Extra and Intra Oral Exam Flashcards
What do you do before palpating?
Visually examine
When does the EO begin?
When you first greet the patient, visually examining their posture, gait, etc.
To detect abnormalities such as swelling, tumors, or enlarged lymph nodes, the structure must be compressed:
Against a firm structure (bone) or between examiners fingers
Explain bi-digital palpation
Compression between fingers of ONE HAND
Explain bi-manual palpation
Compression between fingers of BOTH hands
Explain digital palpation
Compression against underlying structure (with fingers)
Explain manual palpation
Compression OVER underlying structure, using both hands
What are the 5 descriptors of head and neck findings using palpation
- Surface (smooth, rough, raised, etc.)
- Shape
- Consistency (firm, spongy, etc.)
- Mobility (mobile, fixed)
- Tenderness
What are the 4 subgroups of the head and neck exam?
- Head, face, neck, skin
- Lymph nodes of head and neck
- Salivary and thyroid glands
- TMJ
What are the 5 imaginary zones?
- Forehead
- Eyes
- Nose & cheeks
- Lips
- Neck
What are abnormal findings?
Lesions or color changes of the skin (pimples/blemish?) Uneven pattern of hair loss Masses in the neck Wounds, bruises, scars Swelling of face or neck Asymmetry of face or neck
How do you document findings?
Location
Landmarks (Shape, Borders, Color, Size)
Measure lesion/scar with periodontal probe.
Duration
ABCDET
Anatomic location Border (well demarcated or irregular) Color Diameter (in mm) Evolving (has it changed) Type/texture (macule, dry, etc.)
True or False: Healthy lymph nodes can be felt?
FALSE!! HEALTHY LYMPH NODES CANNOT BE FELT!
What is a goiter?
Enlarged lymph node
