Week 9: HEENT Flashcards
General HEENT diagnostic tools and what they do (2)
- CT scan: noninvasive test that hows a more detailed picture of the head
- MRI: noninvasive test that shows VERY detailed pictures of virtually all internal body structures
Sinus specific diagnostic tool
CT scan
Throat-specific diagnostic tools and what they do (4)
- Swallowing evaluation: observe the muscles of the face and throat to assess for dysphagia
- Modified barium swallow study: barium sulfate is given to highlight the upper GI tract + see abnormalities
- Fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing: endoscope passed through the nose into the pharynx
- Throat culture: swab of the back of the throat is analyzed for infectious organisms
Neck-specific diagnostic tools and what they do (5)
TSH test: evaluates thyroid gland functioning
T3 test: blood test used to diagnose an overactive thyroid gland
Free T4: blood test used to differentiate different causes of thyroid dysfunction
Thyroid ultrasound: Noninvasive test that gets an image of the thyroid gland via sound waves
Thyroid scan: Nuclear medicine test to assess functioning, masses, and/or inflammation of the thyroid gland
Rhinorrhea
Thin, watery discharge from the nose
Postnasal drip
Mucus drips from the back of the nose into the upper pharynx
Epistaxis
Nosebleeds
Xerostomia
Dry mouth
Drug classes that cause xerostomia (7)
- Anticholinergics
- Anticonvulsants
- Antidepressants
- Antihistamines
- Antihypertensives
- Antineoplastics
- GI smooth muscle relaxants + antipasmodics
Implications of jaw pain (3)
- Grinding teeth
- TMJ disorder
- Cardiac conditions
Characteristics to observe when inspecting the head (4)
- Size
- Shape
- Configuration
- Movement
Macrocephaly
Abnormally large head size
Acromegaly
Enlargement of the bones of the face, hands, and feet
Medical conditions with facial identifiers: Bell’s palsy
Facial paralysis on one side of the face
Medical conditions with facial identifiers: Cushing’s syndrome
Excessive accumulation of fat in the face (“moon face”), facial redness due to increased blood volume
Medical conditions with facial identifiers: Graves’ disease
Bulging eyes, Lid lag and edema, corneal ulceration
Medical conditions with facial identifiers: Hirsutism
Woman have terminal hair growth on face
Medical conditions with facial identifiers: Menopause
Peach fuzz, dry skin with increased facial wrinkles
Medical conditions with facial identifiers: Myxedema
Dull expression, periorbital puffiness, hypothermia, yellow skin, facial pallor/swelling
Medical conditions with facial identifiers: Parkinson’s disease
Mask-like facial appearance, soft speech, slurred speech
Medical conditions with facial identifiers: Rosacea
“Flush/blush” area, “sunburned” appearance, visible small blood vessels
Medical conditions with facial identifiers: Sideroblastic anemia
Facial mask of fatigue, sallow-colored skin, pale mucous membranes
Angular cheilitis
Inflammation at the corners of the mouth
Angioedema
Edema of the lips