30 Questions
Which component is NOT included in the acronym COLDSPA for exploring neck pain?
Pattern
What is the correct technique to perform during a physical assessment of the head and neck?
Use COLDSPA for exploring neck pain
What is a potential health condition associated with neck pain according to the text?
Muscular problems
Which type of pain is specifically mentioned in the text as being associated with neck pain?
Facial pain
What aspect of neck pain should be explored further according to the text?
Associated Factors only
Which part of the health history is NOT mentioned in the text as related to neck pain?
Physical assessment details
What is a common risk factor for head and neck cancers?
Genetic predisposition
Why is the client instructed to remain still during most of the inspection and palpation of the head and neck?
To avoid interfering with the examination
What lifestyle habit is a potential cause of headaches?
Using alcohol or recreational drugs
What is the importance of asking about a family history of migraine headaches?
Migraines commonly have a familial association
Why is it important to consider cultural norms for touch when assessing the head?
To avoid cultural insensitivity
What is a common side effect of some prescription and non-prescription medicines?
Headache
What is the term for an abnormally small head?
Microcephaly
Which condition is characterized by larger and thicker skull and facial bones?
Acromegaly
What involuntary movement may be seen in patients with aortic insufficiency?
Nodding movement
Which condition is associated with an asymmetrical face known as Bell's Palsy?
Parkinson's disease
What age-related process causes the lower face to shrink and the mouth to be drawn inward?
Mandibular resorption
Which condition is associated with a swollen face and a moon-shaped appearance with red cheeks?
Cushing's syndrome
Which artery, when inflamed, can lead to blindness?
Temporal artery
What is a common symptom of TMJ Syndrome?
Inability to open the mouth fully
What is a normal finding during a neck inspection?
Symmetric neck with head centered
What condition does an enlarged thyroid gland indicate?
Thyroid disorder
What is a common symptom of temporal arteritis?
Hard, tender temporal artery
What is the purpose of asking the client to swallow during a neck inspection?
To assess the movement of the thyroid gland
What is the normal position of the thyroid gland landmarks?
Positioned midline
How should the lobes of the thyroid gland feel during palpation?
Soft and smooth
What sound is considered a normal finding during thyroid auscultation?
No bruits are auscultated
What is the normal finding for the lymph nodes of the head and neck during palpation?
No swelling or enlargement and no tenderness
What key landmarks should be located when palpating the thyroid gland?
Hyoid bone, thyroid cartilage, and cricoid cartilage
Which technique is used to palpate the left lobe of the thyroid gland?
Reverse the technique to palpate the left lobe of the thyroid
Study Notes
Family History
- Head or neck cancer in the family is a risk factor for head and neck cancers
- Migraine headaches commonly have a familial association
Lifestyle and Health Practices
- Smoking and chewing tobacco can cause headaches
- Use of alcohol and recreational drugs can affect health
- Amount and type of substance used should be documented
Collecting Objective Data: Physical Examination
- Preparing the client:
- Remove wigs, hats, hair ornaments, pins, rubber bands, jewelry, and head or neck scarves
- Sit in upright position with back and shoulders held back and straight
- Explain the importance of remaining still during most of the inspection and palpation
- Cultural considerations:
- Consider cultural norms for touch when assessing the head
- Ask the client to move and bend the neck for examination of muscles and thyroid gland palpation
Head and Neck Assessment
- Learning Objectives:
- Discuss collection of subjective data
- Use correct technique to perform physical assessment of the head and neck
- Analyze head and neck data obtained from the interview and physical assessment
Collecting Subjective Data: The Nursing Health History
- Pain:
- Do you experience neck pain?
- Use COLDSPA to further explore any neck pain
- Ask about precipitating events, severity, and associated symptoms
- Headache:
- Do you experience headache?
- Facial pain:
- Do you have any facial pain?
Physical Assessment of the Head and Neck
- Inspection:
- Head:
- Normal findings: Head size and shape vary, usually symmetric, round, erect, and in midline
- Abnormal findings: Microcephaly, acromegaly
- Face:
- Normal findings: Symmetrical, varied features, normal skin condition
- Abnormal findings: Asymmetrical, swollen face, moon shape with red cheeks, facial hair
- Neck:
- Normal findings: Smooth, symmetric, without lumps or masses
- Abnormal findings: Asymmetrical head position, masses or scars present, swelling
- Head:
- Palpation:
- Head:
- Normal findings: Hard, smooth, without lesions
- Abnormal findings: Hard, thick, and tender with inflammation
- Temporal artery:
- Normal findings: Elastic, not tender
- Abnormal findings: Hard, thick, and tender with inflammation
- TMJ:
- Normal findings: No swelling, tenderness, or crepitation
- Abnormal findings: Limited range of motion, swelling, tenderness, or crepitation
- Thyroid gland:
- Normal findings: Glandular tissue felt rising underneath fingers, smooth, rubbery, and free of nodules
- Abnormal findings: Enlarged thyroid gland, nodules
- Head:
Additional Information
- Auscultation:
- Normal findings: No bruits are auscultated
- Abnormal findings: A soft blowing swishing sound auscultated over the thyroid lobes
- Lymph nodes:
- Normal findings: No swelling or enlargement, no tenderness
- Equipment:
- Small cup of water
- Stethoscope
This quiz focuses on the head and neck assessment in the context of NCM 101 Health Assessment Laboratory with Clinical Instructor Magdalena A. Juan RN MSN. The quiz content is related to techniques, procedures, and knowledge required for assessing the head and neck area.
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