Thyroid Exam

Question 1

what would you inspect in a thyroid exam

Answer 1

hands - temp, clubbing
fine tremor (can put paper on top)
radial pulse
forearms for muscle wasting
eyes - lid lag (look up and down), H test
neck
get them to swallow some water
stick their tongue out + inspect the back of tongue

Question 2

what would you palpate in a thyroid exam

Answer 2

trachea
feel anterior neck from behind start at adams apple and move down
get them to swallow water and stick tongue out whilst palpating
palpate lymph nodes

Question 3

what would you percuss in a thyroid exam

Answer 3

percuss upper sternum

Question 4

what would you auscultate in a thyroid exam

Answer 4

both lobes of thyroid whilst they hold their breath use (bell)

Question 5

what extra things would you include in a thyroid exam

Answer 5

ask patient to get up from chair whilst arms are folded
check ankle reflexes
inspect legs for pretibial myxoedema

Question 6

what would you offer at the end of a thyroid exam

Answer 6

thyroid function tests
further imaging eg US of neck
fundoscopy