Head and Neck Assessment - Chapter 12
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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is the primary focus of health promotion and risk reduction related to the head and neck, according to the learning objectives?

  • Detailed anatomical study of cranial nerves.
  • Strategies for preventing head injuries and promoting thyroid health. (correct)
  • Pharmaceutical interventions for headache management.
  • Advanced surgical techniques for neck masses.

When collecting subjective data related to the head and neck, which of the following chief complaints is most important to document?

  • Frequency of dental check-ups.
  • Patient preference for pillow firmness.
  • Exposure to seasonal allergens.
  • History of present headache, head trauma, neck pain, neck masses or thyroid dysfunction. (correct)

Which physical examination technique is used to collect objective data related to the scalp, cranium, facial structures, and neck?

  • Auscultation and percussion only.
  • Inspection and palpation. (correct)
  • Radiography and endoscopy.
  • Chemical analysis and biopsy.

Upon palpation of the neck, a nurse identifies an enlarged, firm, and non-tender lymph node. What is the most appropriate initial action?

<p>Document the finding and assess for other associated signs and symptoms, such as fever or weight loss. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient presents with persistent hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, and a palpable mass in the anterior neck. After initial assessment, which of the following diagnostic tests would be MOST critical to differentiate between benign and malignant etiologies?

<p>Fine needle aspiration biopsy of the neck mass. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When assessing the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), what finding would be considered abnormal?

<p>Palpable crepitus or tenderness. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which sequence represents the most common and logical order for a nurse to follow when assessing a patient's head and neck, integrating inspection and palpation techniques?

<p>Inspect neck for position, palpate lymph nodes, palpate trachea, palpate/auscultate thyroid. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient presents with suspected thyroid dysfunction. Besides palpation, which assessment technique would provide additional data about potential nodules or enlargement?

<p>Auscultation of the thyroid gland. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A client reports persistent neck pain and fatigue. Palpation reveals enlarged and tender supraclavicular lymph nodes. Given this finding, which of the following actions should the nurse prioritize?

<p>Immediately notify the healthcare provider for further evaluation and possible diagnostic testing. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Following a motor vehicle accident, a patient presents with suspected whiplash and reports severe neck pain. Palpation reveals muscle spasm and limited range of motion, but no obvious masses or lesions. Which intervention should the nurse anticipate as the MOST appropriate initial step in managing this patient's condition, prior to diagnostic imaging?

<p>Gentle range-of-motion exercises within the patient's pain tolerance, combined with analgesics as prescribed. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following systems are assessed when evaluating the head and neck?

<p>All of the above (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What anatomical structures are located in the neck region encompassing vertebrae C1-C7?

<p>Trachea, thyroid gland, and lymphatics (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

An older adult patient presents with a visibly exaggerated concave curvature of the upper spine. What is the appropriate term to document this finding?

<p>Kyphosis (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which assessment finding of a lymph node warrants immediate investigation for possible malignancy?

<p>Fixed, irregular, hard or rubbery, and greater than 1 cm (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient is suspected of having 'thyroid storm'. Which of the following assessment findings is most consistent with this condition?

<p>Severe hypermetabolism in all body systems (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key consideration when assessing skin lesions on older adults?

<p>Careful inspection for skin cancers is necessary, especially in sun-exposed areas. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following cranial nerves is LEAST likely to be directly assessed during a standard head and neck examination focused on common symptoms like headache, facial pain, or limited neck movement?

<p>Olfactory nerve (CN I) (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A researcher is designing a study to investigate the prevalence of thyroid disorders across different racial and ethnic groups. Based solely on the provided information, what nuance should the researcher consider regarding hyperthyroidism and goiter?

<p>Hyperthyroidism is more common in African Americans compared to Whites; goiter is more prevalent in females across racial groups. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Chapter 12 Overview

The chapter focuses on the anatomy, physiology, assessment, and health promotion related to the head and neck.

Head and Neck Anatomy

Understanding the structures and functions of the head and neck, and how they relate to other body systems.

Subjective Data Topics

Includes headache, head trauma, neck pain, neck masses, and thyroid dysfunction.

Objective Data Collection

Examining the scalp, cranium, facial structures, neck, hearing, and vision.

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Documentation

Communicating findings using standardized medical terms.

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Head Inspection

Assessing the head to find any abnormalities in size or construction.

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Temporal Artery Palpation

Checking for the presence of swelling or pain in the artery near the temple.

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Neck Inspection

Examining the neck to identify symmetry and detect unusual growth

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Lymph Node Palpation

Checking for any enlargement or tenderness in the glands around the head and neck

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Diagnostic Testing

Imaging tests such as CT scans and MRI and fluid analysis such as lumbar puncture tests

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Body Systems of Head & Neck

Skin, neurological, respiratory, vascular, gastrointestinal, lymphatic, and endocrine.

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Lymph Node Function

Filters lymph fluid; enlargement indicates inflammation or infection.

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Older Adult Head/Neck Changes

Decreased subcutaneous fat makes bony structures more visible.

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Kyphosis

Exaggerated concave curve of the upper spine is called Kyphosis.

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Thyroid Disorders & Demographics

More common in females, especially goiter in hyperthyroidism; higher in African Americans for hyperthyroidism.

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Acute Head Injury Response

Head/neck stabilization and trauma assessments are needed after injury.

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Concerning Lymph Node Signs

Nodes > 1 cm, fixed, irregular, hard, or rubbery require urgent cancer investigation.

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Health Promotion for Head/Neck

Reducing injury risk, preventing thyroid disorder complications, and early detection of masses.

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Study Notes

  • Chapter 12 focuses on the assessment of the head and neck.

Structure and Function

  • Structures in the head and neck region interact with multiple body systems, like integumentary, neurological, respiratory, vascular, gastrointestinal, lymphatic, and endocrine systems.
  • The head comprises skeletal structures, muscles, blood and nerve supply, and salivary glands
  • The neck includes the trachea (windpipe), thyroid and parathyroid glands, and lymphatics, spanning from C1 to C7.

Lymphatics

  • Approximately 80 lymph nodes are present in the head and neck region
  • Lymph node enlargement indicates inflammation or infection.

Lifespan Considerations for Older Adults

  • Bony structures in the head become more pronounced due to decreased subcutaneous fat.
  • Skin lesions are more likely, necessitating careful skin cancer assessments, especially in sun-exposed areas.
  • Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are more common, with hypothyroidism being more prevalent.
  • Thinning hair, exaggerated concave curve of the upper spine (kyphosis), and reduced neck range of motion are also common.

Cultural Variations and Health Disparities

  • Skin color and shape of the eyes, nose, and lips vary across different populations.
  • Hypo- and hyperthyroidism are more common in females.
  • Hyperthyroidism, often characterized by goiter, is more prevalent in females and more common in African Americans than Whites.
  • Thyroid cancer is more prevalent in females
  • Thyroid cancer is highest among Asian/Pacific Islanders and Whites.

Urgent Assessment

  • Acute head injuries and neurological changes require stabilization of the head and neck, and trauma assessments.
  • Severe head/neck pain, usually from muscle tension or spasm, warrants caution if accompanied by fever and headache, indicating possible cardiac issues.
  • Lymph nodes larger than 1 cm, fixed, irregular, hard, or rubbery require emergency investigation for cancer.
  • Hyperthyroidism can lead to thyroid storm or thyroid crisis, causing hypermetabolism in all systems.
  • Acute bacterial thyroiditis carries a high risk of airway compromise and thyroid dysfunction.

Subjective Data Collection

  • Multiple systems influence structure, function; risk factors and health promotion are very important to assess.
  • Includes a personal, medication and family history
  • Focus on reducing injury risk, preventing thyroid disorder complications, and early detection of masses or malignant lymph nodes are.

Common Symptoms

  • Common symptoms include headaches, neck pain, limited neck movement, vision and hearing issues, facial pain, lumps/masses, hypo/hyperthyroidism, and sleepiness.

Assessment of Head and Face

  • Inspect the head for size, shape, and configuration.
  • Palpate the head using gloves to assess consistency.
  • Inspect the face for symmetry, features, movement, and expression.
  • Palpate the temporal artery for tenderness and the temporomandibular joint for swelling or tenderness.
  • Assess for malocclusion by instructing the client to open and shut their jaw, exposing their teeth.
  • Assess the temporal pulse.

Assessment of Neck

  • Inspect the neck for position, symmetry, and the and any presence of lumps or masses.
  • Palpate the head and neck lymph nodes, including preauricular, post auricular, occipital, superficial, posterior and deep cervical, supraclavicular, tonsillar, submandibular, and submental nodes.
  • Palpate the trachea for position, nodes, and tenderness.
  • Palpate and auscultate the thyroid for nodules and tenderness.

Critical Thinking

  • Common laboratory and diagnostic tests for the head and neck include CT scans, MRIs, lumbar punctures, and thyroid labs (TSH, T3, T4).
  • Diagnostic reasoning involves nursing diagnoses, outcomes, and interventions with collaboration.
  • Outcomes include patient verbalizing increased energy and well-being.
  • Allow for periods of rest before planned activity.
  • Set small, achievable short-term activity goals.

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Description

Chapter 12 covers the assessment of the head and neck region. The head includes skeletal structures, muscles, blood and nerve supply, and salivary glands. The neck includes the trachea, thyroid and parathyroid glands, and lymphatics, spanning from C1 to C7.

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