In-Depth Notes on Head, Face, and Neck Assessment

Introduction to Assessment

  • This video illustrates a medical assessment of the head, face, and neck.

  • The assessor engages the patient, Nancy, creating a comfortable environment for the examination.

Patient Introduction

  • The assessor initiates the conversation and establishes rapport with the patient.

  • Questions about smoking and tobacco usage are asked to gather relevant health history:

    • Q: Do you smoke or chew tobacco?

    • Nancy answers: No.

    • Q: Problems with mouth or face?

    • Nancy: No.

    • Thyroid issues (hyper/hypothyroidism)?

    • Nancy: No.

Visual and Physical Inspection

  • Inspection of head and face:

    • Assess the shape and size of the head, categorized as normal cephalic.

    • Palpation of the scalp to detect abnormalities (lumps, bumps, indentations).

    • Nancy reports no pain.

  • Jaw movement assessment:

    • Evaluates the temporomandibular joint by asking the patient to open and close the mouth, checking for pain or clicking sounds.

    • Nancy reports no pain.

  • Facial symmetry assessment:

    • Observing features such as eyebrows, eyes, and sides of the mouth for symmetry to rule out conditions like stroke or Bell's palsy.

    • Checks for swollen parotid glands and thyroid gland swelling.

Lymph Node Assessment

  • Technique for assessing lymph nodes:

    • Use of circular motion with the pads of fingers to palpate several key lymph node groups:

    • Preauricular (in front of the ear)

    • Postauricular (behind the ear)

    • Occipital (at the occipital bone)

    • Submental (under the chin)

    • Submandibular (below the jawbone)

    • Jugulodigastric (at the corner of the jawbone)

    • Superficial cervical

    • Deep cervical chain

    • Posterior cervical (along the cervical spine)

    • Subclavicular (above the collarbones)

  • Normal findings:

    • No lymph nodes should be palpable, indicating a normal result.

    • If any nodes are felt, further investigation into size, shape, and consistency is needed.

Neck Range of Motion Assessment

  • The patient is guided through motions to assess neck flexibility:

    • Chin up and down

    • Side to side movements

    • Ear to shoulder movements

  • Nancy demonstrates normal range of motion.

Cranial Nerve Assessment

  • Cranial Nerve XI Function:

    • Assessment through shoulder shrugging against resistance.

    • Rotation of the head against resistance.

  • Both tests indicate normal function of cranial nerve number eleven.

Conclusion

  • The assessment for the head, face, and neck is conducted thoroughly, showing a detailed process for evaluating these areas for abnormalities or health issues.