How do you assess pharynx?

How do you assess pharynx?

Pharynx: With the patient’s mouth open, ask the patient to say, “ahh.” In a patient with an intact 10th cranial nerve, this action should raise the soft palate enabling full visualization of the pharynx. If this does not allow visualization, use a tongue blade to depress the tongue.

What is the normal finding for the assessment of the tonsils?

Tonsils (if present) Tonsil size is graded as follows: 1+ Visible. 2+ Halfway between the tonsillar pillars and the uvula. 3+ Touching the uvula.

What is normal oropharynx?

The oropharynx consists of the tongue from the circumvallate papillae, posteriorly to the epiglottis, the tonsils, the associated pharyngeal walls, and the soft palate. The oropharynx has become the most common location for head and neck tumors in the United States and is a common site of origin in Europe.

How do you inspect the posterior pharynx?

Inspect the posterior oropharynx by depressing the tongue and asking the patient to say “Ah.” Note any tonsilar enlargement, redness, or discharge.

How do you measure posterior pharynx?

Ask the patient to say “aaah” and observe the movement of the uvula. If necessary press a tongue blade firmly upon the tongue for visualization of the pharynx. Inspect the soft palate, tonsils and posterior pharynx.

How do you describe your throat?

The throat (pharynx and larynx) is a ring-like muscular tube that acts as the passageway for air, food and liquid. It is located behind the nose and mouth and connects the mouth (oral cavity) and nose to the breathing passages (trachea [windpipe] and lungs) and the esophagus (eating tube).

What is the normal color of throat?

A healthy throat is usually consistently pink and shiny. Some people may have noticeable pink tissue on either side of the back of their throat, which is usually the tonsils. Cough, runny nose, or hoarseness that changes the sound of a person’s voice. Some people may also have conjunctivitis or pink eye symptoms.

What is the pharynx function?

The pharynx, usually called the throat, is part of the respiratory system and digestive system. It carries air, food and fluid down from the nose and mouth.

What is posterior oropharynx?

The oropharynx is the portion of the pharynx that is posterior to the oral cavity. The most inferior portion of the pharynx is the laryngopharynx that extends from the hyoid bone down to the lower margin of the larynx. The upper part of the pharynx (throat) lets only air pass through.

How do you inspect buccal mucosa?

The buccal mucosa is examined using direct and indirect vision followed by bi-digital palpation of the entire area. Be sure to pull the tissues away from the retromolar area and stretch the mucosa away from the mucogingival junction (Figures 32 and 33).

What is oral cavity examination?

Inspect the teeth and gums for abnormalities. Inspect the tongue for abnormalities. Inspect the buccal mucosa and parotid duct for abnormalities. Inspect the palate and uvula for abnormalities. Inspect the floor of the mouth for abnormalities.