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Head and Neck 1

1) The document provides guidance on performing a head and neck assessment, including collecting subjective and objective data. 2) It describes inspecting the head for size, shape, symmetry and abnormalities like involuntary movements or lesions on the scalp. 3) The face is also inspected for symmetry, features, skin condition and abnormal movements, with the jaw palpated for smooth movement and pain.

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goldamier
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65 views11 pages

Head and Neck 1

1) The document provides guidance on performing a head and neck assessment, including collecting subjective and objective data. 2) It describes inspecting the head for size, shape, symmetry and abnormalities like involuntary movements or lesions on the scalp. 3) The face is also inspected for symmetry, features, skin condition and abnormal movements, with the jaw palpated for smooth movement and pain.

Uploaded by

goldamier
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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HEAD AND NECK ASSESSMENT

HEALTH ASSESSMENT:
Collecting subjective data:
• The nursing health history
A. General Health History
1. History of present health condition
• When eliciting information about current
symptoms, use the COLDSPA as your guide.
• Use also the following questions to elicit
pertinent information: (refer to your book on
pages 158-160)
2. Past Medical History
3. Family History
4. Lifestyle and health practices

B. Problem-Based History
• The most common reported problems related to the
head and related structures(eyes, ears, nose, throat
and neck). It includes headache, dizziness, difficulty
with vision, hearing loss, ringing in the ears, earache,
nasal discharge, sore throat and mouth lesions.
(Guide questions refer to your book on pages 160-
163).
Collecting objective data – physical
examination
A. Preparing the client
• Prepare the client for the head and neck
examination – remove wig, hat, hair
ornaments, pins, rubber bands, jewelry and
head or neck scarves.
• Take care to consider cultural norms when
assessing the head.
• Proper positioning
Physical Assessment:
A. Head and Face
Inspection of the head
• Inspect the head for size, shape, skin characteristics
• Head should be held upright in a straight position
• Look at the head in relation to the neck and
shoulders for size and shape
Normocephalic – is the term designating that the skull
is symmetric and is appropriately proportioned for
the size of the body.
• Normally the head is symmetric, round, erect and in
midline. No lesions are visible.
Abnormal findings:
• The skull and facial bones are larger and
thicker (acromegaly) – occurs when there is
increased production of growth hormone.
• Microcephaly – abnormally small head
• Macrocephaly – abnormally large head.
Inspect for involuntary movement:
• Normally, head should be held still and upright.
Abnormal findings:
• Tremors associated with neurologic disorders may
cause a horizontal jerking movement
• Involuntary nodding movement may be seen in
patients with aortic insufficiency.
• Head tilted to one side may indicate unilateral vision
or hearing deficiency or shortening of the
sternomastoid muscle.
To inspect the scalp, part the hair in various locations:
• The scalp should be intact, without lesions or flakes
Inspect the face:
• Inspect for symmetry, features, movement, expression
and skin condition
Normal findings:
• The face is symmetric with a round, oval, elongated or
square appearance.
• No abnormal movements noted
Abnormal findings:

• Asymmetry in front of the earlobes occurs


with parotid gland enlargement from an
abscess or tumor.
• Unusual or asymmetric orofacial movements
may be from an organic disease or neurologic
problem – which may be referred for medical
follow-up.
Palpate the structures of the head:
• Palpate the skull from front to back using a gentle rotary
motion
• Normally, the skull should be symmetric and should feel
firm without tenderness.
• The frontal, parietal and bilateral occipital prominences
may be felt.
Abnormal findings:
• Lumps, marked protrusions or tenderness should be
differentiated to determine if they are on the scalp or part
of the skull.
• Depression or unevenness of the skull may occur
secondary to skull injury.
To palpate jaw movement, place two fingers in front
Of each ear and ask the client to slowly open and
close the mouth and then move the lower jaw from
side to side – the jaw should move smoothly and
without pain.
Abnormal findings:
• Pain associated with palpation of facial structures
should be explored further
• Limited movement, pain with movement, and a
jaw that clicks or catches with movement may
indicate TMJ disease.

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