HEENT (Head, Eyes, Ears, Nose, and Throat) Health Assessment Practice Flashcards

A collection of vocabulary terms and definitions covering the assessment, expected findings, and nursing interventions for the HEENT system based on the RNSG 1215 lecture.

HEENT

An acronym for the Head, Eyes, Ears, Nose, and Throat body system assessment.

OLD CARTS

A mnemonic used for gathering subjective data to gain specific information about problems in the head, eyes, ears, nose, and throat.

PERRLA

An acronym indicating that Pupils are Equal, Round, and Reactive to Light and Accommodation.

Consensual reaction

An expected pupillary response where both pupils react simultaneously when light is directed into one eye.

Expected Visual Acuity

A finding of $\frac{20}{30}$ or better during an eye assessment.

Pinna

The external part of the ear; it should be symmetric and aligned with the outer canthus of the eye.

Patency

The state of being open or unobstructed, specifically referring to the nostrils during a nose assessment.

Dysphagia

Difficulty swallowing, which is identified as an unexpected finding during a mouth and throat assessment.

JVD

Jugular Venous Distension, an unexpected finding in the neck involving engorgement of the jugular veins.

Tinnitus

An unexpected finding related to the ears, typically described as ringing or noise in the ears.

Accommodation

The eye's ability to adjust its focus; poor accommodation is considered an unexpected finding.

Micro/Macrocephaly

Variations in head circumference and shape monitored as part of the individualizing assessment for infants and children.

Dacryostenosis

A condition involving watery discharge from the eyes, noted as a specific finding for infants and children.

Presbycusis

Information regarding age-related hearing loss that should be assessed in elderly adults.

Cerumen

Earwax, which may vary in color and consistency based on the race of the patient.

Trachea Midline

The expected position of the trachea; deviation from this midline is an unexpected finding in the neck assessment.

TMJ area pain

Discomfort in the temporomandibular joint, noted as an unexpected finding during the face and head assessment.

Impaired sensory perception

A nursing problem involving the loss of sight, hearing, taste, or smell, requiring accommodations like speaking slowly or placing objects within reach.

Acute pain

A problem stemming from headache or trauma requiring nursing interventions such as positioning for comfort, dimming lights, and administering medication.