ASSESSMENT INCLUDES:

✓ inspection and palpation of the external nose (upper third is bone; the remainder is
cartilage)
✓ patency of the nasal cavities
✓ inspection of the nasal activities
✓ inspection and palpation of the facial sinuses

ASSESSMENT OF THE NOSE AND SINUSES

CHECKLIST

1. Determine patency of both nasal cavities.

 ask the client to close the mouth, exert pressure on one naris, and breathe through the
opposite nares repeat procedure to assess the patency of the opposite naris

Normal Findings:

 air moves freely as the client breathes through nares

Deviations:

 air movement is restricted in one or both nares

2. Inspect the nasal cavities using a flashlight or a nasal speculum.

 inspect the lining of the nares and the integrity and the position of the nasal septum

Normal Findings:

 the nasal septum, inferior and middle turbinate of the nasal passage
 3. Observe for the presence of redness, swelling, growths, and discharge.

Normal Findings:

 mucosa pink
 clear, watery discharge
 no lesions

Deviations:

 mucosa red, edematous

 abnormal discharge (pus)
 presence of lesions (polyps)

4. Inspect the nasal septum between the nasal chambers.

Normal Findings:

 intact and in midline

Deviations:

 septum deviated to the right or to the left

5. Palpate the maxillary and frontal sinuses for tenderness.

Normal Findings:

 non-tender

Deviations:

 tenderness in one or more sinuses