Mouth, Nose, Throat, and Sinuses

Question 1

Also called oral cavity

Answer 1

Mouth

Question 2

> > > is formed by the lips, cheeks, hard and soft palates. uvula, and the tongue and its muscles.

> > > is the beginning of the digestive tract and serves as an airway for the respiratory tract.

> > > The upper and lower lips form the entrance to the mouth, serving as a protective gateway to the digestive and respiratory tracts.

Answer 2

Mouth

Question 3

> > The roof of the oral cavity:

anterior hard palate

posterior soft palate

> > > Uvula

An extension of the soft palate

hangs in the posterior midline of the oropharynx

> > The cheeks form the lateral walls of the mouth,

> > The tongue and its muscles form the floor of the mouth.

> > The mandible (jaw bone) provides the structural support for the floor of the mouth.

Question 4

> > is a mass of muscle, attached to the hyoid bone and styloid process of the temporal bone.

Answer 4

Tongue

Question 5

• connected to the floor of the mouth by a fold of tissue.

> > assists with moving food, swallowing, and speaking.

Answer 5

Frenulum

Question 7

Teeth

> > Crown - top, - top, visible, white enameled part of each tooth.

> > > Root - portion of the tooth that is embedded in the gums.

> > The crown and root are connected by the region of the tooth referred to as the neck.

Question 8

• covered by mucous membrane

• normally hold 32 permanent teeth in the adult

Answer 8

Gums (gingiva)

Question 9

• The three pairs of salivary glands secrete saliva (watery, serous fluid containing salts, mucus, and salivary amylase) into the mouth.

Saliva helps break down food and lubricates it.

Amylase digests carbohydrates.

Answer 9

Salivary Glands

Question 10

• located below and in front of the ears, empty through Stensen ducts, which are located inside the cheek across from the second upper molar.

Answer 10

The parotid glands

Question 11

located in the lower jaw, open under the tongue on either side of the frenulum through openings called Wharton ducts.

Answer 11

The submandibular glands

Question 12

• located behind the mouth and nose, serves as a muscular passage for food and air.

Answer 12

Throat (pharynx)

Question 13

• Parts of the Throat:

Nasopharynx upper part of the throat

Oropharynx below the nasopharynx

• Laryngopharynx - below the oropharynx.

• The soft palate, anterior and posterior pillars, and uvula connect behind the tongue to form form arches.

Question 14

Palatine tonsils

• Masses of lymphoid tissue

⚫ are located on both sides of the oropharynx at the end of the soft palate between the anterior and posterior pillars.

> > Lingual tonsils

lie at the base of the tongue.

> > Pharyngeal tonsils, or adenoids

⚫ are found high in the nasopharynx.

Because tonsils are masses of lymphoid tissue, they help protect against infection

Question 15

> > > consists of an external portion covered with skin and an internal nasal cavity.

> > > It is composed of bone and cartilage and is lined with mucous membrane.

The external nose consists of:

a bridge (upper portion)

Tip Nares-two oval openings.

• The nasal cavity:

is located between the roof of the mouth and the cranium.

It extends from the anterior nares (nostrils) to the posterior nares, which open into the nasopharynx

Answer 15

Nose

Question 16

The nasal septum separates the cavity into two halves.

• The front of the nasal septum contains a rich supply of blood vessels and is known as Kiesselbach area. This is a common site for nasal bleeding.

• The superior, middle, and inferior turbine turbinates are bony lobes, sometimes called conchae that project from the lateral walls of the nasal cavity.

Question 17

• a.k.a. nasal hairs. filter large particles from the air.

• A meatus underlies each turbinate and receives drainage from the paranasal sinuses and the nasolacrimal duct.

• Receptors for the first cranial nerve (olfactory) are located in the upper part of the nasal cavity and septum.

Answer 17

Vibrissae

Question 18

•Four pairs of paranasal sinuses that are located in the skull:

i. Frontal

ii. Maxillary

iii. Ethmoidal

iv. Sphenoidal

Question 20

Physical variations related to the mouth, nose, and sinuses involve color differences and structures of the uvula, lip, palate, and teeth.

Structure of the uvula varies, and a cleft or partial or completely split uvula.

The number of teeth and their size vary widely. Many tooth variations have little clinical significance.

• Poor oral hygiene increases the risk for periodontal disease.

The following poor living conditions contribute to developing oral disease:

Diet

Nutrition

Hygiene: the use of alcohol, tobacco, and tobacco-related products; and

Limited oral health care.

Question 22

Causes of epistaxis (nosebleeds) can be divided into local causes, systemic causes, and idiopathic causes.

Question 23

21. Which finding during an oral assessment indicates potential dehydration?
    A. Moist mucous membranes
    B. Dry, cracked lips
    C. Pink tongue
    D. Absence of plaque

Answer 23

B. Dry, cracked lips

Explanation:
Dry, cracked lips are a classic sign of dehydration. When the body lacks adequate fluids, the lips and oral mucosa can become dry, cracked, or sticky. In contrast, moist mucous membranes suggest adequate hydration.

Question 24

22. When inspecting the throat, the nurse should note which of the following signs of
    infection?
    A. Pale tonsils
    B. Red, swollen tonsils with exudates
    C. Smooth mucosa
    D. Dry or cracked oral mucosa

Answer 24

B. Red, swollen tonsils with exudates

Explanation:
Red, swollen tonsils with exudates (pus or white patches) are a common sign of throat infection, such as tonsillitis or pharyngitis. These findings indicate inflammation and immune response to an infectious agent, often bacterial or viral.

Question 25

23. A deviated nasal septum may lead to which of the following symptoms? A. Bilateral nasal congestion B. Unilateral nasal obstruction C. Increased sense of smell D. Sore throat

Answer 25

B. Unilateral nasal obstruction Explanation: A deviated nasal septum occurs when the cartilage dividing the nasal passages is off-center, which can lead to unilateral (one-sided) nasal obstruction, making it harder to breathe through one nostril. It may also cause headaches, snoring, or recurrent sinus infections.

Question 26

24. The presence of nasal polyps is most commonly associated with: A. Allergic rhinitis B. Viral pharyngitis C. Gingivitis D. Laryngitis

Answer 26

A. Allergic rhinitis Explanation: Nasal polyps are soft, noncancerous growths that often develop in the nasal passages or sinuses due to chronic inflammation, most commonly from allergic rhinitis. They can cause nasal congestion, reduced sense of smell, and sinus pressure.

Question 27

25. In assessing the sinuses, which symptom is most concerning for sinusitis? A. Clear nasal discharge B. Facial pain and pressure C. A slight headache

Answer 27

B. Facial pain and pressure Explanation: Facial pain and pressure are key symptoms of sinusitis, which is an infection or inflammation of the sinuses. This pain is often localized over the affected sinuses and can worsen with bending forward. Other symptoms may include nasal congestion, purulent discharge, and fever.

Question 28

26. The nurse observes white patches on the oral mucosa that cannot be scraped off. This finding is most consistent with: A. Oral candidiasis B. Leukoplakia C. Herpangina D. Aphthous ulcers

Answer 28

B. Leukoplakia Explanation: Leukoplakia is characterized by white patches on the oral mucosa that cannot be scraped off. This condition is often associated with chronic irritation, such as from smoking or alcohol use, and may be a precursor to oral cancer, so it requires further evaluation. In contrast, oral candidiasis (thrush) presents with white patches that can be scraped off.

Question 29

27. Which of the following is the first step in an oral assessment? A. Palpating the lymph nodes B. Inspecting the lips and oral mucosa C. Evaluating the tonsils D. Assessing the dental alignment

Question 30

A swollen, red uvula may indicate: A. Glossitis B. Pharyngitis C. Tonsillitis D. Laryngitis

Answer 30

B. Pharyngitis Explanation: A swollen, red uvula is commonly seen in pharyngitis, which is inflammation of the throat (pharynx), often due to a viral or bacterial infection. The uvula can become enlarged and inflamed, sometimes accompanied by a sore throat, fever, and difficulty swallowing.

Question 31

29. In a patient complaining of nasal congestion and headache, the nurse should assess the sinuses by: A. Palpating for tenderness B. Checking for a deviated septum C. Inspecting the color of the nasal mucosa D. Assessing the smell

Answer 31

A. Palpating for tenderness Explanation: To assess for sinusitis, a nurse should palpate the sinuses (frontal and maxillary) for tenderness. Tenderness or pain when palpating these areas is a key sign of sinus inflammation or infection. Other symptoms of sinusitis may include nasal congestion, purulent discharge, and facial pressure.

Question 32

30. Which of the following findings in the mouth might suggest an eating disorder such as bulimia? A. Dental erosion on the lingual surfaces B. Excessive salivation C. A red, smooth tongue D. Enlarged tonsils

Answer 32

A. Dental erosion on the lingual surfaces Explanation: Dental erosion on the lingual (inner) surfaces of the teeth is a common sign of bulimia nervosa, particularly due to vomiting. The stomach acids that come into contact with the teeth during frequent purging can erode the enamel, leading to visible damage on the inner surfaces of the teeth.

Question 33

31. When assessing the oral cavity, the nurse should use a tongue depressor primarily to: A. Remove debris B. Better visualize the posterior pharynx C. Stimulate a gag reflex D. Test sensitivity

Answer 33

B. Better visualize the posterior pharynx Explanation: A tongue depressor is used primarily to push down the tongue, allowing better visualization of the posterior pharynx and the back of the throat. This helps in assessing for signs of infection, swelling, or abnormalities in the throat and tonsils.

Question 34

A __________ is used primarily to push down the tongue, allowing better visualization of the posterior pharynx and the back of the throat. This helps in assessing for signs of infection, swelling, or abnormalities in the throat and tonsils.

Answer 34

tongue depressor

Question 35

32. A patient with postnasal drip may complain of which of the following? A. Difficulty swallowing B. A constant cough C. Tooth decay D. Excessive thirst

Answer 35

A. Sinusitis or allergic rhinitis Explanation: Pallor or hyperemia (redness) of the nasal mucosa can be indicative of sinusitis or allergic rhinitis. These conditions cause inflammation in the nasal passages, which can lead to changes in the color of the mucosa. Allergic rhinitis typically presents with pale, swollen mucosa, while sinusitis may cause redness due to increased blood flow in response to infection or inflammation.