PE: Ears, Nose, and Mouth

Bulging TM

protruding/outward curvature of the TM

Cerumen impaction

excessive earwax

Clear rhinorrhea

Clear nasal drainage

Dental caries

cavity

Dry mucous membranes

dry mouth

Erythema of the external canal

redness of outer ear canal

Erythematous TM

red color of the TM

Hemotympanum

blood on the TM

Malocclusion

misalignment of the teeth when mouth closed

Mastoid tenderness

tenderness over mastoid bone (located posterior to ear)

No signs of oral trauma

no cuts/chipped teeth/etc.

Normal jaw approximation

normal jaw alignment

Parotid mass

enlargement of the parotid gland

Pericoronitis

infection of the gums

Poor definition

bad teeth

Poor light reflect

cone of light does not reflect on TM

Retracted TM

Inward curve of the TM

Septal deviation

displacement of nasal septum

Septal hematoma

bruising or bleeding in the nasal septum

Tongue laceration

cut on the tongue

Trismus

inability to open mouth normally due to spasm of the jaw muscles

Unable to visualize landmarks

provider cannot see landmarks behind TM