Subjective data of the head and neck: headaches Answer- -ask pt if headaches are present or
absent
-ask pt about the location of the
... [Show More] headache
Subjective data of the head and neck: occipital OR frontal Answer- -vise-like pain
-a TENSION headache
Subjective data of the head and neck: supraorbital OR frontotemporal Answer- -throbbing pain
-associated with visual disturbances
Subjective data of the head and neck: vascular headache/migraine Answer- -can be heightened
by stress
-heightened by menstrual cycle
-heightened with eating cheese and chocolate (foods)
Subjective data of the head and neck: cluster headaches Answer- -unilateral
-excruciating pain
-can last 1-2 years, will have a bunch of pain for a month or so and then nothing for a few years
Subjective data of the head and neck: history or head injuries and experience of? Answer- -
dizziness= feeling of lightheadedness
Vertigo Answer- rotational spinning
-objective vertigo= room is spinning
-subjective vertigo= pt. feels like he or she is spinning
Subjective data of the head and neck: presence of neck pain? Answer- -acute onset of neck
stiffness is usually r/t meningeal inflammation
-stress and tension
Subjective data of the head and neck: lumps or swelling in the neck Answer- -salivary or thyroid
tumors
**smoking, chewing tobacco and alcohol use increases the risk of cancer in the throat and in
the thyroid
Subjective data of the head and neck: ask about history of Answer- past thyroid problems
Head and neck CANCER warning signs: Answer- -lump or sore that does not heal
-sore throat that does not go away
-trouble swallowing
-a change or hoarseness of voice
Primary reason for oral cancer? Answer- smoking
**second is alcohol use
Inspection and Palpation of the Skull: size and shape Answer- normocephalic: is the head size
appropriate for the body?
Microcephaly: Answer- abnormally small
Macrocephaly: Answer- abnormally large
*think Charlie Brown
Inspection and Palpation of the Skull: temporal area Answer- -palpate the temporal artery
-palpate the temporomandibular joint (jaw)
Inspection and Palpation of the Skull: TMJ Answer- -check for crepitation (poor alignment of
teeth)
--precursor for headaches
-limited ROM
-tenderness
Abnormalities (head size and contour): hydrocephalus Answer- -obstruction of drainage of CSF
which results in excessive accumulation
-causes increased intracranial pressure and enlargement of the head
**only in infants before the fontanels close
Abnormalities (head size and contour): Paget's disease Answer- -increased bone reabsorption
and formation which thickens and deforms bones
-more likely in men
Abnormalities (head size and contour): acromegaly Answer- -seen in head and hands
-excessive secretion of GH after puberty which results in an enlarged head
Inspect the face: note facial expression and appropriateness of behavior Answer- -hostility and
aggression
-tense, rigid musculature
-marked asymmetry
Cranial nerve VII (FACIAL) damage= Answer- Bell's Palsy
Bell's Palsy Answer- -edema of the face (esp in periorbital/around the eyes)
-skin color and pigmentation changes
Hyperthyroidism facial expression AnswerCushing's Disease facial expression AnswerScleroderma face AnswerButterfly rash Answer- -seen with lupus
Characteristic of a chronic smoker AnswerTesting Cranial Nerves of the Face: CN V (TRIGEMINAL) motor function Answer- -assess muscles
of mastication by palpating the temporal and masseter muscles as client clenches teeth
-try to separate the jaw
-bite down on tongue depressor and attempt to pull it out while they are clenching their jaw
(use tongue blade)
Testing Cranial Nerves of the Face: CN V (trigeminal) sensory function Answer- -client closes
eyes, check for light touch (say now when I touch you)
-assess forehead, cheeks, chin
-assess corneal reflex
Corneal reflex is usually Answer- omitted unless there is a problem with a light touch
assessment
*not a good test if the patient is a contact wearer
Testing Cranial Nerves of the Face: CN VII (FACIAL) motor function Answer- -note mobility and
facial symmetry
-have client smile, frown, close eyes tightly, lift eyebrows, show teeth, puff out cheeks
Why would there be loss of movement? Answer- - secondary to CNS lesion, Bell's palsy
-short term= herpes virus/cold sores
Testing Cranial Nerves of the Face: CN VII (FACIAL) sensory function Answer- -not tested
routinely (only if another test indicates Bell's Palsy) [Show Less]