Physical Assessment: Head, Face, and Eyes

Inspecting the head for size, shape, symmetry, and any tenderness. Measuring head circumference in infants and children up to age 2 is common.

Inspect the face for color, symmetry, facial hair distribution, edema (especially periorbital), and involuntary movements (tics/tremors).

Inspect external structures (eyebrows, eyelids, eyelashes, pupils, iris) for alignment, position, and any abnormalities like ptosis, entropion, ectropion, or redness.

Measuring the head's circumference, a crucial part of infant assessment for development, up to 2 years old. Done at regular checkups.

Swelling around the eye, considered an abnormal finding during assessment.

Drooping of the upper eyelid, a possible sign of nerve damage or certain conditions.

Inward turning of the lower eyelid and lashes.

Outward turning of the lower eyelid and lashes, considered abnormal.

Abnormal color, swelling, lesions, or other issues in the mouth, lips, tongue, or teeth.

Assessing the neck for symmetry, range of motion, and venous distention.

Checking if the trachea is midline and symmetrical.

Assessing for visible swelling of neck veins, which can signal heart problems.

Checking the thyroid gland for any masses or symmetry.

Assessing the patient's ability to move their neck in different directions.

A test used to assess retinal and optic nerve function, evaluating the full range of a person's sight.

Examination of the ear's shape, size, and surface for any abnormalities.

Assessing the ear canal for wax (cerumen), swelling, discharge, or foreign objects.

Gently feeling the external ear for pain, swelling, or abnormal growths.

A basic hearing screening to determine if a person can hear whispered words.

A way to assess hearing through patient reports of their hearing ability and its impact on daily life.

A device used to visually examine the structures of the middle ear and ear canal.

Observing the external nose and nostrils (nares) and palpating the sinuses.

Checking pupil size, shape, and response to light and accommodation.

Pupil dilation (widening).

Pupil constriction (narrowing).

Pupils of different sizes.

Used to measure distance visual acuity.

The sharpness of vision, measured as a fraction 20/x.

Visual acuity measurement; numerator = distance, denominator = smallest line read accurately.

The ability to see objects to the sides of your direct line of vision.

Assessment of how well the eyes move in different directions.

Used to measure near vision; printed letters of varying sizes.

The ability of the eye to change focus from distant to near objects.

The ability for both eyes to turn inward to maintain focus on a single object when viewed up close.

Checking if the nasal passages are open by blocking one nostril at a time and having the patient breathe through the other.

Examining the nostrils by shining a light into them while the patient's head is slightly tilted back.

Looking at the nasal lining for color, lesions, exudate, and growths.

Feeling the frontal and maxillary sinuses for pain and swelling.

Examining the lips, tongue, teeth, gums, palate, and tonsils.

Checking the inside of the mouth for color, moisture, and any swelling.

Checking the teeth for cavities, restorations, and the gums for color and smoothness.

Inspecting the tongue for color, moisture, and any lesions, and possibly holding it with gauze for palpation.

Inspecting the back of the throat, including the uvula and tonsils.

Checking the position and movement of the uvula.

Checking the tonsils for size, color, and symmetry.