Nose, Sinus, Mouth, & Throat Assessment Flashcards
Nose
- stimulates olfactory receptors of CN I
- lymphatic drainage
Nerve and blood supply of nose
CN V, VII, IX, X
rich blood supply to nose
Kieselbach plexus
Sinus
- bony, air-filled cavities within the forehead and facial cavities
- lighten weight of cranium
- sinuses produce mucus that empties into nasal cavity
Mouth
- taste, chewing
- speech articulation
- high vascular especially floor of mouth
3 salivary glands
- parotid (largest)
- submandibular
- sublingual
Tongue inverted by CN
V: trigeminal
VI: facial
IX: glossopharyngeal
X: vagus
XII: hypoglossal
PRIORITY assessment
- nosebleeds (epistaxis)
- aspiration
- abrupt loss sense of smell (anosmia)
- epiglottitis
Kieselbach plexus
common site of nosebleeds
throat, tonsils, and adenoids
lymphatic tissue of tonsils and adenoids contribute to immunological defense
throat
oropharynx
- common channel for respiratory and digestive systems
Tonsillar grading scale
1+: tonsil obstructs 0-25% to midline
2+: tonsil obstructs 25-50% to midline
3+: tonsil obstructs 50-75% to midline
4+ tonsil obstructs 75-100% to midline
Common Issues
- facial pressure
- obstructive beathing
- congestion
- snoring
- pharyngitis
- dysphagia
- dental pain
- voice change
Normal findings of nose
symmetrical, midline, mucosa pink and moist, no prominent blood vessels
Normal findings of sinuses
symmetrical w. no redness or swelling
Normal findings of mouth
pink, moist, no inflammation/swelling/lesions
Normal findings of throat
pink, moist, w/ symmetrical margins, no enlargement, tonsils absent
Physical exam
- Inspection (look for abnormal findings like sores, lesions, cuts, swollen, hygiene)
- inspect/evaluate swallowing
- assess for aspiration
Risk factors
- smoke exposure
- dust mites
- pets
- pollen
- mold spores
