Method Of Exam
Author: A. Chandrasekhar, MD
Consultant: J. Stankiewicz, MD
Inspect the external surface of nose for symmetry.
Nasal bone
Nasal cartilage
Inspect nasal passages either with
A
large otoscope
A speculum
Or by tilting the tip of nose with pen light
Observe and describe the following
Describe the position and contour of the septum
Note the color of the mucous membrane.
Inspect the inferior and middle turbinates.
Identify drainage sites of maxillary and ethmoid sinuses
Normal:
The septum is in the middle and the turbinates project into the nasal passages.
There is sufficient room for the nasal passages.
The mucous membrane is red and compact over the turbinates.
There may be a small amount of thin secretions.