Health Assessment BSN201: Nose, Mouth, and Throat

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of the nose in the respiratory system?

To provide olfactory receptors for smell

To facilitate speech

To filter and warm inhaled air (correct)

To produce mucus

Which part of the nasal septum is commonly associated with nosebleeds?

Inferior turbinates

Ethmoid bone

Superior turbinates

Kiesselbach plexus (correct)

What divides the two nares of the external nose?

The ala nasi

The vestibule

The nasal septum

The columella (correct)

Which two pairs of paranasal sinuses are accessible for examination?

Frontal and maxillary Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the mouth in the digestive system?

To initiate digestion and provide an airway Signup and view all the answers

How many permanent teeth do adults typically have?

32 Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the hard palate from the soft palate?

Structure and texture Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is NOT part of the oral cavity?

Frontal sinuses Signup and view all the answers

Where are olfactory receptors located in the nasal cavity?

At the roof of the nasal cavity and upper septum Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following structures is part of the external nose?

Columella Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the frenulum in the mouth?

To connect the tongue to the floor of the mouth Signup and view all the answers

Which area separates the oropharynx from the mouth?

Anterior tonsillar pillar Signup and view all the answers

What does a patency test of the nostrils assess?

Obstruction in nasal passages Signup and view all the answers

When inspecting the nasal cavity, what indicates normal findings?

Red and smooth with moist surface Signup and view all the answers

What should a clinician expect during the palpation of the frontal and maxillary sinuses?

Feeling of pressure without pain Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is characterized by a mass of lymphoid tissue?

Tonsillitis Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for a common nosebleed condition?

Epistaxis Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is NOT typically associated with allergies in the nasal cavity?

Bleeding gums Signup and view all the answers

What could indicate a need for further examination of the throat?

Sore throat Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of normal findings when inspecting the nose?

Symmetrical appearance Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal appearance of the gums during an inspection?

Pink with tight and well-defined margins Signup and view all the answers

When inspecting the tongue, what is an acceptable finding?

A thin white coating may be present Signup and view all the answers

What should be noted during the inspection of the buccal mucosa?

Color, nodules, or lesions Signup and view all the answers

What does a grading of 3+ on tonsils indicate?

Tonsils touching the uvula Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is characterized by a cherry red lip appearance?

Carbon monoxide poisoning Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is normal for the anterior hard palate?

White and smooth Signup and view all the answers

What is typically inspected when palpating the tongue?

For nodules or ulcerations Signup and view all the answers

What does circumoral pallor indicate?

Shock and anemia Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following would be an abnormal finding during a throat inspection?

Exudate on the tonsils Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct response if dental caries are noted?

They should be monitored but may require treatment. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Health Assessment BSN201: Week 6 Lecture 10 - Nose, Mouth, and Throat

Learning Objectives: Students will be able to identify nose, mouth, and throat structures, pertinent history questions (subjective data), perform physical assessments (objective data), differentiate between normal and abnormal findings, and document assessments.

Nose

Function: The nose is the first part of the respiratory system. It warms, moistens, and filters inhaled air.
Nasal Cavity: Larger than the external nose, extending across the roof of the mouth, and divided medially by the septum.
Structures: The nasal cavity includes turbinates, meatus, vestibule, and hard palate. Important structures identified in the presentation include the olfactory nerve (CN I), frontal sinus, sphenoid sinus, pharyngeal tonsil, eustachian tube opening, soft palate, and palatine tonsil.
Kiesselbach Plexus: A rich vascular network in the anterior part of the septum, common site for nosebleeds (epistaxis).
Olfactory Receptors: Located in the roof of the nasal cavity and the upper one-third of the septum which are responsible for smell.
External Nose: Shaped like a triangle, with a bridge, tip, and nares (nostrils). The columella divides the two nares and the ala nasi is the lateral outside wing of the nose.

Sinuses

Paranasal Sinuses: Four pairs of air-filled pockets within the cranium. Two pairs are easy to access-frontal and maxillary sinuses.
Accessibility: Frontal and maxillary sinuses are the two pairs of sinuses that are easily examined.
Depth: The ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses are located deeper and are smaller.

Mouth

Function: The mouth is the initial part of the digestive system and respiratory tract.
Oral Cavity: A short passage bordered by lips, palate, cheeks, and tongue. It contains teeth, gums, tongue, and salivary glands.
Teeth: Adults have 32 permanent teeth, with 16 in each arch. Include incisors, canines, premolars, and molars.
Palate: The arched roof of the mouth, divided into a hard anterior part and a soft posterior part.

Uvula and Frenulum

Uvula: A free projection hanging down from the middle of the soft palate.
Frenulum: A midline fold of tissue connecting the tongue to the mouth.

Throat (Pharynx)

Function: The throat is the area behind the mouth and nose, an airway and part of the digestive system.
Oropharynx: Separated from the mouth by a fold of tissue (anterior tonsillar pillar).
Tonsils: Structures containing lymphoid tissue (four types- pharyngeal, tubal, palatine, and lingual).

Subjective Data: Nose

Discharge: Presence of nasal discharge (watery, purulent, mucoid, bloody). Frequency of colds (upper respiratory infections (URIs)).
Sinus Pain: Presence of sinus pain and sinusitis, and chronic postnasal drip.
Trauma: History of trauma to the nose, breathing sufficiency.
Nosebleeds: Presence and frequency of nosebleeds. Amount and colour/clots of blood.
Allergies: History of allergies and hay fever (e.g. pollens, dust, etc.).
Altered Sense of Smell: Change in sense of smell.

Subjective Data: Mouth and Throat

Sores/Lesions: Any sores or lesions in the mouth, tongue, or gums?
Sore Throat: Frequency of sore throats, current sore throats, and onset of pain.
Bleeding Gums: Duration of bleeding gums.
Toothache: Presence of toothache and tooth sensitivity to hot and cold. Tooth loss history.
Dysphagia: Difficulty swallowing (duration).
Altered Taste: Changes in the sense of taste.
Smoking/Alcohol Consumption: Smoking habits, pipe, cigarettes, or smokeless tobacco use, frequency, and duration.

Objective Data: Nose

Inspection: Position, symmetry, and presence of any discharge, flaring, inflammation, or skin lesions. Should be symmetrical and no lesions/signs of infection.
Patency Test: Test to see if both nostrils are open.
Otoscopic Examination: Examination of the nasal cavity using an otoscope. Looking for smooth, moist, red surfaces, and absence of swelling, discharge, bleeding, or foreign bodies. Polyps are a possible finding.

Objective Data: Mouth and Throat

Inspection of Lips: Color, moisture, cracking, and lesions which should be normally pink with no cracking or lesions.
Examination of mouth including teeth, gums, and tongue
Palpation of Mouth: Presence of nodules or ulcerations.

Nose, Mouth, and Throat Abnormalities

Examples of abnormalities: Epistaxis, sinusitis, nasal polyps, seasonal allergic rhinitis, dental caries, gingival hyperplasia, ankyloglossia, cleft lip, cleft palate, and tonsillitis.
Additional Abnormal Findings in Mouth and Throat: Kopliks spots

Sample Charting

Patient history: Includes subjective data from client about nose, mouth, and throat problems.
Clinical Signs: Includes objective data found from examination of the nose, mouth, and throat.

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Description

This quiz focuses on the anatomy and functions of the nose, mouth, and throat as covered in Week 6 of Health Assessment BSN201. Students will review structures, perform assessments, and differentiate between normal and abnormal findings. Prepare to deepen your understanding of critical health assessment techniques.