Head to toe assessment
Ear Assessment
External Ear Assessment
What to assess:
Position & Alignment: Top of ear should line up with the outer corner of the eye.
Size, Shape, Symmetry: Evaluate if both ears are the same in these dimensions.
Skin Condition: Check for lesions and redness.
Tenderness: Determine if there is any sensitivity when palpating.
What to do:
Inspect Both Ears: Look for symmetry and any abnormalities.
Palpate Auricle & Tragus: Gently press these areas to check for pain or sensitivity.
Ask if There’s Pain: Inquire if the patient feels any discomfort during the examination.
What to say:
“External ears symmetric, no lesions or tenderness noted.”
“Auricles aligned with outer canthus of eyes.”
Abnormal Findings:
Pain: May indicate infection (e.g., otitis externa or media).
Lesions: Could signify an increased risk for skin cancer.
Low-Set Ears: Could imply a congenital condition.
Inner Ear Assessment
What to assess:
Ear Canal/Tympanic Membrane: Look for integrity and condition.
What to do:
Use an otoscope to inspect the ear, looking for a grey pearly tympanic membrane.
What to say:
“Ear canal and tympanic membrane are intact, no visible irritation, tympanic membrane is pearly grey.”
Abnormal Findings:
Redness: Indicates possible infection or inflammation.
Amber/Cloudy Appearance: Suggests fluid presence.
White Patches: May point to scarring.
Cranial Nerve VIII (Vestibulocochlear Nerve) Assessment
What to assess:
Hearing: Check cochlear function.
Balance: Evaluate vestibular function.
What to do:
Whisper Test: Stand behind the patient and have them repeat phrases containing numbers or letters.
Observe for Dizziness or Balance Issues.
What to say:
“Cranial nerve VIII intact, hearing and balance normal.”