Test: Head Visual Inspection

Video Link

Background/Purpose

Procedure

Inspection of the face, head, ears, and neck for distinctive physical signs. Note unusual speech or hearing responses to questions. Note presence of glasses or hearing aids.
Inspection of nasal cavity for secretions and membrane characteristics with nasal speculum. Repeat after decongestant spray.
Palpation, percussion, and transillumination of maxillary and frontal sinuses.
Inspection of oral cavity and pharynx with light and tongue blade. Palpation of submaxillary and parotid glands (external and binaural with glove). Note condition of teeth or use of dental plates (remove these).
Palpation of TM joints, superior and inferior triangles of the neck, carotid pulsation, thyroid gland, and supraclavicular area. Auscultation for carotid bruits.
Inspection of facial skin, nose, pinnae, and scalp for crusts, pigmented lesions, ulcerations, cysts, excessive wrinkles, eyelid edema or sagging, and involuntary movements (tic).
Inspect ear area for wax or surgical scars. Remove any wax with curette that obstructs clear view of eardrum. Move eardrum with pneumatic otoscope and note light reflex. Perform Weber and Rhine tuning fork tests and record results. Examine for secretions, canal lesions such as bony nodules, eardrum scars or perforations, discoloration or fluid behind the drum, and pulsations. Record the need for louder conversation, repetition of question, or lack of response.
Performed: Bilaterally

Dialog

Visual inspection of head, ears, nose and throat.

Criteria

• Normal appearance of structures
• Symmetrical alignment
• No visible discharge

Measurement

LOINC Code

Scale/Grading

selection range; grade - LOINC ID
Option - Value option selection range; grade - LOINC IDPass ; Pass - Fail ; Fail -