Neck Assessment

1
Neck Assessment

• Heather Nelson, RN

2
Neck

• Inspect for symmetry, masses, scars, gland or
  lymph node enlargement.
• Evaluate ROM by having patient flex, extend,
  rotate, and laterally turn the head and neck.
• Inspect the neck as the patient swallows,
  observing symmetry and alignment.

3
Head and Neck Lymph Nodes

• Inspect and palpate lymph nodes of the head and
  neck.

4
Lymph Nodes

• The superficial lymph nodes are named by location
  and are easily palpable when enlarged.
• Note the size and location of any palpable nodes
  and whether they were soft or hard, non-tender or
  tender, and mobile or fixed.

5
Lymph Nodes

• Systematically palpate with the pads of your
  index and middle fingers for the various lymph
  node groups.

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Lymph Nodes

• Preauricular
• In front of the ear
• Postauricular
• Behind the ear
• Occipital
• At the base of the skull
• Tonsillar
• At the angle of the jaw
• Submandibular
• Under the jaw on the side
• Submental
• Under the jaw in the midline
• Superficial (Anterior) Cervical
• Over and in front of the sternomastoid muscle
• Supraclavicular
• In the angle of the sternomastoid and the
  clavicle

7
Thyroid Gland Evaluation

• Inspect neck anteriorly for visible thyroid
  tissue and asymmetry with swallowing.
• Watch patient swallow when head is hyperextended.
  Note asymmetry and enlargement.
• Palpate using a gentle touch.
• Palpate for size, shape, configuration,
  tenderness, and presence of any nodules.