Neck assessment

Neck Assessment

ROM

Note: Limitations

-Touch chin to chest

-Turn head to left and right

-Touch ears to shoulders

Motion should be smooth and controlled

Lymph Nodes

Test muscle strength (XI)

Shoulder Shrug

Note any gland/node enlargements

Use gentle circular motions

Palpate nodes in routine order*

Use both hands except for submental/mandibular areas

If any nodes are palpable:

Note size, location, shape and delimitation

If enlarged or tender check drainage pattern**

Trachea

Midline

Place finger in sternal notch and slip it off each side, note midline deviation

Thyroid Gland

Glass of water and inspect thyroid movement when swallowing

Posterior approach:

Sit up straight

Head slightly bent, slight right

Push trachea to right

feel between sternomastoid while swallowing water

if palpable, feel rubber and smooth

Check for enlargement, consistency, symmetry and nodules auscultate for bruits

Anterior approach:

Isthmus, place thumb 3cm below thyroid cartilage

tip head forward and to the right

use thumbs to palpate between sternomastoid and trachea