Method Of Exam

Inspect the external surface of nose for symmetry.

• Nasal bone
• Nasal cartilage

Inspect nasal passages either with

• a large otoscope
• 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.