Podcast
Questions and Answers
When assessing the tongue, which of the following characteristics is considered normal for the dorsum?
When assessing the tongue, which of the following characteristics is considered normal for the dorsum?
- Bright red with a shiny surface
- Pale with visible lesions
- Smooth and dry
- Pink, moist, and rough (correct)
Which cranial nerve is primarily assessed when you ask a patient to stick out their tongue?
Which cranial nerve is primarily assessed when you ask a patient to stick out their tongue?
- CN XII (Hypoglossal) (correct)
- CN X (Vagus)
- CN VII (Facial)
- CN IX (Glossopharyngeal)
What finding on tongue examination might suggest a fungal infection?
What finding on tongue examination might suggest a fungal infection?
- A smooth, red tongue
- A tongue with small, white patches
- A black, hairy tongue (correct)
- A tongue with deep fissures
During a tongue examination, what should you instruct the patient to do to properly assess the strength of the tongue?
During a tongue examination, what should you instruct the patient to do to properly assess the strength of the tongue?
Which of the following is an expected finding on the ventral surface of the tongue?
Which of the following is an expected finding on the ventral surface of the tongue?
Which finding suggests glossitis?
Which finding suggests glossitis?
A deviation of the tongue to one side upon protrusion indicates a lesion on which cranial nerve?
A deviation of the tongue to one side upon protrusion indicates a lesion on which cranial nerve?
What does the presence of fasciculations in the tongue suggest?
What does the presence of fasciculations in the tongue suggest?
What is the clinical significance of Wharton's ducts during a tongue examination?
What is the clinical significance of Wharton's ducts during a tongue examination?
What should a clinician use while palpating the tongue?
What should a clinician use while palpating the tongue?
Which of the following conditions is associated with a red, 'beefy' tongue?
Which of the following conditions is associated with a red, 'beefy' tongue?
What characteristics should be evaluated when assessing tongue symmetry?
What characteristics should be evaluated when assessing tongue symmetry?
Which of the following is a potential cause of hypertrophy and discoloration of the papillae on the tongue?
Which of the following is a potential cause of hypertrophy and discoloration of the papillae on the tongue?
During an oral examination, a patient presents with a tongue that has smooth, red patches surrounded by raised borders, giving it a map-like appearance. This is most indicative of which condition?
During an oral examination, a patient presents with a tongue that has smooth, red patches surrounded by raised borders, giving it a map-like appearance. This is most indicative of which condition?
When inspecting the tongue, what are the key aspects to assess on both the dorsal and ventral surfaces?
When inspecting the tongue, what are the key aspects to assess on both the dorsal and ventral surfaces?
If a patient has a lesion on the tongue, what characteristics should be noted during the examination?
If a patient has a lesion on the tongue, what characteristics should be noted during the examination?
A patient complains of a painful tongue after starting a new medication. Upon examination, the tongue appears reddened with ulcerations. Which of the following is the most likely cause?
A patient complains of a painful tongue after starting a new medication. Upon examination, the tongue appears reddened with ulcerations. Which of the following is the most likely cause?
What is the purpose of asking the patient to touch the tip of their tongue to the roof of their mouth during an oral examination?
What is the purpose of asking the patient to touch the tip of their tongue to the roof of their mouth during an oral examination?
While assessing the tongue, you identify an area with a thick, white plaque that cannot be scraped off. This finding is most indicative of:
While assessing the tongue, you identify an area with a thick, white plaque that cannot be scraped off. This finding is most indicative of:
What characteristic of the tongue is evaluated by pressing it against the cheek with resistance from a tongue depressor?
What characteristic of the tongue is evaluated by pressing it against the cheek with resistance from a tongue depressor?
Flashcards
Tongue Examination
Tongue Examination
Examine color, hydration, texture, symmetry, fasciculations, atrophy, position, and lesions.
CN XII Assessment
CN XII Assessment
Motor function of tongue; ask patient to stick out tongue.
Normal Tongue Characteristics
Normal Tongue Characteristics
Normal color is pink and moist, with a rough texture due to taste buds, and no lesions.
Normal Tongue Position
Normal Tongue Position
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Abnormal Tongue Findings
Abnormal Tongue Findings
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Color changes on tongue
Color changes on tongue
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Cancers of the tongue
Cancers of the tongue
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Glossitis
Glossitis
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Tongue Deviation
Tongue Deviation
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Complete Tongue Examination
Complete Tongue Examination
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Study Notes
- When examining the tongue, ask the patient to stick it out, as this tests cranial nerve XII.
- Assess the dorsal and ventral surfaces of the tongue.
- Check the tongue for color, hydration, texture, and symmetry.
- Look for any fasciculations, atrophy, or lesions.
- Note the position of the tongue in the mouth.
- When the tongue is back in the mouth, ask the patient to press it against the cheek.
- Provide resistance with a tongue depressor to assess the strength of the tongue bilaterally.
- Ask the patient to touch the tip of their tongue to the roof of their mouth.
- When examining the tongue, grasp the tip with gauze for inspection and palpation.
Normal Tongue Characteristics
- Typically, the tongue is in the midline of the mouth
- The dorsum of the tongue should be pink, moist, and rough due to the taste buds, without any lesions.
- Tongue coloring may vary based on ethnic background.
- Mucosa and papillae should be intact without lesions or discolorations.
- The tongue should be freely and symmetrically mobile, indicating an intact CN XII.
- Tongue strength should be symmetrical and strong.
- The ventral surface of the tongue should have prominent blood vessels, be moist, and without lesions.
- Wharton's ducts should be patent without inflammation or lesions.
- The lateral aspect of the tongue should be pink, smooth, and free of lesions.
Abnormal Findings
- Absence of papillae, reddened mucosa, or ulcerations may indicate an allergic, inflammatory, or infectious cause.
- Changes in tongue color may point to underlying health issues.
- A red, "beefy" tongue can be associated with pernicious anemia.
- A black, hairy tongue typically indicates a fungal infection.
- Hypertrophy and discoloration of papillae is due to antibiotic use.
- A reddened, smooth, painful tongue with or without ulcerations (glossitis) is caused by anemia, chemical irritants or medications.
- Cancers can form on the tongue and other oral mucosa.
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