Physical Examination of the Mouth and Pharynx Equipment

29 Questions

What is the characteristic appearance of leukoplakia in the oral mucosa?

A painless, raised, oval, grayish-colored patch

What is the significance of a leukoplakia lesion in the oral cavity?

Leukoplakia is a precancerous condition that requires a biopsy

What is the characteristic appearance of tori mandibulares?

Rounded, bony growths on the inner surfaces of the mandible

What is the characteristic appearance of a carcinoma lesion on the floor of the mouth?

An ulcerated, reddened lesion

What is the characteristic appearance of large, normal tonsils?

Protruding medially beyond the pillars, touching the uvula, and obscuring the pharynx

What is the likely cause of a sore or scratchy throat in a patient with diffuse, intense redness of the pharyngeal pillars and uvula?

Several kinds of viral or bacterial infections

Which condition is characterized by the appearance of small white specks that resemble grains of salt on a red background, typically seen on the buccal mucosa near the first and second molars?

Koplik Spots

What is the primary risk factor for the development of leukoplakia, a benign reactive process of the squamous epithelium that may lead to cancer?

Frequent chewing of tobacco

Which of the following conditions is characterized by the appearance of small yellowish spots in the buccal mucosa or on the lips, and is considered a normal anatomical variant?

Fordyce Spots

What is the primary cause of petechiae (small red spots) in the buccal mucosa?

All of the above

What is the primary characteristic of torus palatinus, a midline bony growth in the hard palate?

Its size and lobulation vary, and it is a fairly common condition in adults.

Which of the following oral conditions has been markedly reduced in prevalence due to the availability of antiretroviral therapy?

None of the above

What should be documented when palpating a nodule in the breast?

The presence of tenderness and mobility

How is the breast quadrants divided for examination?

Inner upper, outer upper, inner lower, outer lower

What is the recommended technique for palpating the breast?

Press the breast gently using the finger pads with slightly flexed fingers

Why should one watch for dimpling while moving the breast near a mass?

To check for skin elasticity

What is an important consideration during a thorough examination of the breasts?

Ensure gentle pressure is applied during palpation

Which area should be included in a thorough breast examination?

From clavicle to inframammary fold and from midsternal line to posterior axillary line

What is the usual age range for fibroadenomas in the breast?

15-25

Which of the following is a characteristic shape of fibroadenomas?

Round

During physical examination of the axillae, what is the usual consistency of fibroadenomas?

Soft

What is the usual mobility of fibroadenomas during palpation in the axillae?

Very mobile

When examining the axillae for enlarged lymph nodes, what signs would usually be absent in fibroadenomas?

Retraction signs

What is the primary purpose of offering a paper towel and asking the patient to remove dentures?

To assess the condition of the underlying mucosa

Which of the following observations during the oral examination may indicate denture stomatitis?

Bright red, edematous mucosa underneath the denture

If a healthcare provider detects suspicious ulcers or nodules during the oral examination, what action should they take?

Put on a glove and palpate the lesions to assess for malignancy

What is the potential significance of a black line observed on the gums during an oral examination?

It may be a sign of lead poisoning

Which of the following observations during the oral examination may indicate gingivitis?

Redness of the gums

What is the purpose of checking for loose teeth with a gloved thumb and index finger during an oral examination?

To check for signs of periodontal disease

Study Notes

Breast Masses

Fibroadenoma is a common breast mass, usually occurring in women between 15-25 years old, but can occur up to age 55.
It is usually single, but can be multiple, and is round, disc-like, or lobular in shape.
On physical examination, it is typically firm, well delineated, very mobile, and non-tender.

Physical Examination of the Axillae

The axillae should be examined in a sitting position.
Inspection should look for rash, infection, and unusual pigmentation.
Palpation should check for pectoral, lateral, and subscapular nodes.
If the central nodes feel large, hard, or tender, or if there is a suspicious lesion in the drainage areas, the other axillary lymph nodes should be examined.

Oral Mucosa

Torus Palatinus is a harmless, midline bony growth in the hard palate that is common in adults.
Leukoplakia is a benign reactive process that may lead to cancer and should be biopsied.
Fordyce Spots are normal sebaceous glands that appear as small yellowish spots in the buccal mucosa or on the lips.
Koplik Spots are an early sign of measles, appearing as small white specks on a red background on the buccal mucosa.
Petechiae are small red spots that result from blood escaping from capillaries into the tissues.

Physical Examination of the Breast

Tenderness may be premenstrual fullness or due to nodules.
Nodules should be palpated carefully, documenting location, size, shape, consistency, and tenderness.
The breast is divided into four quadrants: upper inner, upper outer, lower outer, and lower inner.
Palpation should gently move the breast near the mass and watch for dimpling.