HEENT Flashcards
What should be observed during general inspection of the head?
Head shape, symmetry, size, and any birth-related deformities.
What is craniosynostosis?
Premature closure of sutures leading to abnormal skull shapes.
What is scaphocephaly?
Narrow, elongated head from sagittal suture closure.
What is brachycephaly?
Broad, short skull from coronal suture closure.
What is plagiocephaly?
Asymmetric skull due to unilateral suture closure.
What does a bulging anterior fontanel indicate?
Increased intracranial pressure (hydrocephalus, infection).
What does a sunken anterior fontanel indicate?
Dehydration.
(late sign)
What is craniotabes?
Soft skull bones that may be normal but can be linked to rickets, syphilis, or osteogenesis imperfecta.
What is caput succedaneum?
Soft tissue swelling from labor that crosses suture lines and resolves in days.
What is cephalohematoma?
Blood accumulation under the periosteum that does not cross sutures and takes weeks to resolve.
What is subgaleal hemorrhage?
Severe bleeding in scalp layers that can lead to hypovolemic shock if untreated.
What should be examined during an eye examination?
Eye position, shape, size, symmetry, and movements.
What does hypertelorism indicate?
Widely spaced eyes that may suggest genetic syndromes.
What are Brushfield spots?
White specks on the iris associated with Down syndrome.
What does the absence of the red reflex suggest?
Cataracts, glaucoma, or retinoblastoma.
What is coloboma?
Keyhole-shaped iris that may be isolated or part of syndromic conditions.
What is strabismus?
Crossed eyes that may be normal in newborns but require evaluation if persistent.
What does the sunset sign indicate?
Downward gaze with sclera above iris linked to hydrocephalus.
What should be assessed in external ear inspection?
Shape, symmetry, position, and malformations.
What do low-set ears indicate?
Chromosomal anomalies (e.g., Down syndrome, Trisomy 18).
What is the recommendation regarding newborn hearing screening?
Universal newborn hearing screening is recommended.
What does nasal flaring indicate?
Respiratory distress.
What is choanal atresia?
Nasal passage obstruction presenting with cyanosis at rest that improves with crying.
What are common oral abnormalities in newborns?
- Cleft lip/palate
- Micrognathia
- Macroglossia
- Ankyloglossia
