Nose, Mouth, and Throat Assessment

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards pertaining to the assessment of the nose, mouth, throat, ears, eyes, and musculoskeletal system.

External Nose Inspection

Skin smooth, color match face, nares symmetric & relaxed, and absence of discharge.

Addison's disease

Rare, chronic disorder where the adrenal glands produce insufficient cortisol and aldosterone, often due to an autoimmune attack

kaposi sarcoma

a vascular, HIV-associated malignancy caused by human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8), commonly presenting as asymptomatic to painful purple, red, or blue plaques/nodules on the palate or gums.

Short lingual frenulum

Tongue-tie (ankyloglossia). The band of tissue under the tongue is too short, which limits tongue movement.

Edentulous

no natural teeth

Permanent teeth

32

Flaring Nares

Respiratory distress/difficulty breathing

Narrowed Nares

Airway obstruction/blockage

Thick/Purulent (化脓) Discharge

Infection

Bloody Drainage

Trauma or injury

Normal Internal nasal cavity

Slightly red w/ hair; septum smooth & midline; no perforation (holes)

Deviated Septum

Lateral displacement of the nasal septum, often from injury.

Normal Lips Appearance

Symmetrical, slightly moist, smooth with a distinct vermillion border. Pink (light skin); blue undertone (dark skin)

Pale Lips

Anemia (贫血)

Dry/Cracked Lips

Dehydration or exposure to wind and cold

Angular Cheilitis (口角炎)/cracks & redness at the corners

May indicate iron or vitamin B deficiency

Lip Lesions

caused by herpes (疱疹) simplex virus type 1, skin cancer or trauma.

Lip swelling

Allergic reaction or injury

Teeth Normal Appearance

White, yellow, or grayish, smooth with no sharp edges.

Missing Teeth

Trauma or extraction

Normal Gums Appearance

Slightly moist with a distinct border around each tooth. Pink(light skin); darker color/brown/black line along the gingival margin (牙龈边缘)

Gum Hyperplasia (牙龈增生)

Enlargement of gums due to periodontal disease or medication (e.g. phenytoin).

Red/Bleeding Gums

Gingivitis (牙龈炎) or hormonal abnormalities.

Normal Tongue

Moves freely, midline, and appears pink and moist.

Beefy Red Tongue

Iron or vitamin B deficiency

Oral Thrush

White patches on the tongue/oral mucosa; can wiped away and may bleed; caused by Candida overgrowth in patients with weakened immune systems

Leukoplakia

Thick white patch that cannot be wiped away, may be premalignant (癌前) oral lesion linked to tobacco & smoking

Hairy tongue

fungal overgrowth from antibiotic therapy

Normal Oral Mucosa

No lesions or nodules present

Aphthous Ulcers (canker sores)

Small, painful, non-contagious lesions caused by irritation or infection.

Normal Posterior Pharynx

No nodules, masses, or exudates (渗出液); uvula is pink and midline; tonsils are pink w/ irregular surface

Abnormal Posterior Pharynx Findings

Bright red, swollen tonsils with exudate indicate infection.

Nasal Patency Test

Test for airflow through nostrils.

Normal palpation nasal bridge & nares

No tenderness & masses

Abnormal Nasal Patency

Noise/difficulty breathing due to congestion, polyps (息肉), or foreign bodies.

Abnormal Sinus Findings (frontal and maxillary sinuses)

Tenderness: infection or common cold

Normal Teeth (palpation)

Smooth and firmly attached

Mouth Palpation

Assessment of teeth, gums, and tongue for tenderness.

Loose Teeth

Trauma or periodontal disease

Normal Gums upon Palpation

Gums should be firm and nontender.

Tender Gums

Indicates trauma or infection.

Normal Tongue Assessment upon Palpation

Slightly rough dorsum is acceptable.

Choanal atresia

Congenital blockage of the back of nasal passage; Unilateral → later respiratory difficulty; bilateral → Immediate respiratory difficulty.

Epistaxis

Nosebleed; bleeding from the nasal mucosa; dry air, trauma, irritation.

Sinusitis

Inflammation of the tissue lining of sinuses → fluid buildup, pressure, pain in face, purulent discharge; viral infections, allergies, environmental irritants.

Seasonal allergic rhinitis (Hay fever)

An immune system reaction to airborne allergens; lacrimation while sneezing; Allergens → sneezing, congestion, itchy eye.

Furuncle

A painful, pus-filled infection of a hair follicle; staphylococcus aureus bacteria.

Acute rhinitis (nonallergic)

Sudden onset inflammation typically caused by a viral infection, irritants, temp changes, meds, (common cold) and is contagious

Carbuncles

Painful, deep, pus-filled cluster of connected boils (furuncles); staphylococcus aureus bacteria (金黄色葡萄球菌)

Folliculitis (毛囊炎)

Hair follicles become inflamed, often appearing as small, itchy red bumps or whiteheads; cause bacterial/fungal infections

Rhinnitis

General inflammation of the nasal lining.

Cranial Nerve I

Sense of smell; olfactory nerve

Gag Reflex

Touch the posterior wall of the pharynx on each side

Cranial nerve IX (glossopharyngeal) and X (vagus)

taste & swallowing/ gag reflex; motor function for pharynx; voice; peristalsis

Cranial nerve V (trigeminal nerve)

Clench Teeth & Smile