(NOSE) ASSESSMENT OF NASAL STRUCTURES

Inspection and Palpation of Nasal Structures

1. External Portion

2. Patency

3. Internal Portion

4. Sinuses

External Portion

noted nasal color, shape, consistency & tenderness

●  Color consistent with face, smooth and symmetric, no tenderness noted

●  Sniff and blow each nostril

●  Nasal mucosa is pink, moist and free of exudate; nasal septum is midline, intact and free of ulcer or perforations

External portion sample documentation

Color consistent c the rest of the face; smooth & symmetric; no tenderness noted

Patency

ability of air to come in and out of the nose

Patency sample documentation

Able to sniff & blow through each nostril while other is occluded

Internal portion

examine mucosa, nasal septum & nasal passages; note color, consistency, lesions, perforations & presence of discharges/exudate; also note for position of nasal septum

Internal portion sample documentation

Nasal mucosa is dark pink, moist & free of exudate; nasal septum at midline, intact & free of ulcers or perforations

Sinuses

palpate & percuss frontal & maxillary sinuses for tenderness & crepitus or bubbling sound; transilluminate frontal & maxillary sinuses - look for light to pass through cavity

Percussion of the sinuses reveals flat sound which is more quiet than dull sound, applicable to muscles and bones.

Sinuses sample documentation

Clear frontal & maxillary sinuses on transillumination & are non-tender to palpation & percussion

Palpating Frontal & Maxillary Sinuses

Transilluminating Frontal & Maxillary Sinuses

Epistaxis

Abnormal Findings:

nosebleed

Epistaxis

Abnormal Findings

Deviated Septum

Abnormal Findings:

not in midline

Deviated Septum

Abnormal Findings

Perforated Septum

Abnormal Findings:

hole in septum

Perforated Septum

Abnormal Findings

Nasal Polyp

Abnormal Findings:

growth or outgrowth of mucous membrane, removed surgically

Nasal Polyp

Abnormal Findings