Neck and C spine Flashcards
Cervical nerve root exits ______ the numbered vertebra
Above
What are the atypical cervical vertebrae
C1 = atlas — lacks a vertebral body and rotates around the dens of C2
C2 = axis — body extends superiorly to form dens
Is the C2-C3 articulation considered typical?
Yes
From C2-C7, the upper cervical facets align in a plane pointing toward the _____
The lower cervical facets point to the opposite _______
Eye; ASIS
For C3-C7, the lateral aspects of the bodies have superior projections (uncinated processes) articulating with superadjacent vertebrae, what is the function of this articulation?
Helps support lateral sides of cervical intervertebral discs and protect from herniation
_______ joint = synovial joint between articular processes
Facet (zygopophyseal)
______ joint = vertebral bodies separated by fibrocartilaginous disc
Intervertebral
The 2 primary motions at the OA joint are ______ and ______, with minor motions being ____ and ______
The Occiput rotates and sidebends to the _______ sides
Flexion; extension; SB; rotation
Opposite
Primary motion at AA joint
Rotation
[atlas rotates around dens of C2]
How does sidebending relate to rotation in typical cervical vertebrae from C2-C7?
R and SB typically occur in same direction (type II mechanics)
What are some things to look for in your observation of the neck?
Trauma, scars, masses, goiter
Carrying angle
Increased or decreased lordosis
Distended external jugular vein (elevate head of bed 30 deg)
Tracheal deviation
Masses in the neck, mediastinal mass, atelectasis, large pneumothorax
What landmarks are associated with the neck and C spine exam?
Occiput Mandible Clavicle Manubrium SCM m. Trapezius m. Hyoid bone Thyroid cartilage Cricoid cartilage Trachea Spinous processes Vertebral prominens (C7) Interspinous ligament Transverse processes Facets Articular pillars Anterior and posterior triangles
What are the 3 borders of the anterior triangle?
Mandible
SCM
Midline
What are the 3 borders of the posterior triangle?
SCM
Trapezius
Clavicle
[omohyoid crosses lower portion]
What lymph nodes are associated with a typical neck exam?
Superficial and posterior cervical chain Occipital Pre/post auricular Submandibular Submental Tonsillar Supraclavicular
LNs are normally small, round or ovoid, and smooth. On exam you should note their size, shape, mobility, consistency, and tenderness. Increased size = lymphadenopathy. Generalized LAD is seen in what conditions?
HIV/AIDS Infectious mono Lymphoma Leukemia Sarcoidosis
______ = infectious cervical lymphadenitis
Scrofula
The ____ of the stethoscope can be used over the carotid arteries to assess for thrills and bruits
Bell
Assessing the ___________ assesses for the right atrial pressure as the right internal jugular vein is in direct line with the SVC
Jugular venous pressure
How do you assess jugular venous pressure?
Place pillow under pt head to relax SCM
Raise head of exam table to 30 deg and turn head slightly away of side you’re examining
ID the IJV using tangential lighting and table adjustments to identify the oscillation point/meniscus of IJV pulsations
ID the highest point of pulsation; extend an object horizontally from the apex. Place ruler vertical from sternal angle to create a right angle with the horizontal object
Distance in cm above sternal angle (right atrium) is JVP
What is a normal JVP?
Less than 3-4 cm above the sternal angle
Low JVPs are best seen in near ______ position — this would be a _______ patient
Supine; hypovolemic
High JVPs are best seen in ______ position — this would be a _______ patient
Upright seated; hypervolemic
The trachea should be midline in the neck. Use spaces between _____ and _____ as landmarks.
Thyroid; SCMs
Lateral displacement of the trache can occur in what condition?
Tension pneumothorax
The ______ of the thyroid overlies the 2nd-4th tracheal rings. Have the patient _____ the neck slightly to relax SCMs
Isthmus; flex
While examining the thyroid, once the neck is flexed, you place fingers of both hands on pt’s neck so that index fingers lie just below the ______cartilage. Have the pt swallow so that the thyroid rises up under finger pads. Observe for ____ and _____
Cricoid; contour; symmetry
While exampining the thyroid, displace the ______ to the right and left to palpate each individual lobe. The anterior surface of a lateral lobe is approximately the size of the distal phalanx of the ______ and feels somewhat _____
Trachea; thumb; rubbery
If the thyroid is noted to be enlarged on palpation, what is your next step in the exam?
Listen over lateral lobes to detect bruit - which may be heard in hyperthyroidism
A simple, non-nondular, or possibly multinodular thyroid enlargement may indicate what condition?
Goiter