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Clinical Otolaryngology and Respiratory Assessment Flashcards
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1
Question
What is the tympanic membrane and what are its normal visual characteristics?
Answer
Eardrum separating external and middle ear; translucent, pearly gray, with visible malleus, cone of light at 5 o'clock (right) or 7 o'clock (left), oval and slightly concave, white outer rim.
2
Question
What color changes in the tympanic membrane indicate acute otitis media (AOM) or otitis media with effusion (OME)?
Answer
AOM: bright red; OME: yellow-amber with retraction.
3
Question
If the tympanic membrane appears blue or dark red, what has likely occurred?
Answer
Blood behind the drum, suggesting trauma or skull fracture.
4
Question
What does a bulging tympanic membrane with absent light reflex indicate?
Answer
Increased middle ear pressure from infected fluid—acute otitis media.
5
Question
What is tympanosclerosis and when does it commonly occur?
Answer
Tympanosclerosis: scarring with dense white patches on the tympanic membrane; common after repeated ear infections.
6
Question
What is the purpose of tympanostomy tubes in children with chronic otitis media?
Answer
To equalize pressure and promote drainage from the middle ear.
7
Question
During otoscopic examination, why should you perform the exam before testing hearing acuity?
Answer
Impacted cerumen can falsely suggest hearing loss; view TM first.
8
Question
What are the signs of otitis media with effusion on the tympanic membrane?
Answer
Retraction with visible landmarks and diminished light reflex.
9
Question
What is the finding of a normal cone of light in the right ear and left ear correlating to otoscopic exam?
Answer
Right ear: cone at 5 o'clock; Left ear: cone at 7 o'clock.
10
Question
What is the Darwin tubercle and where is it located?
Answer
A small painless nodule on the helix; a congenital variant.
11
Question
What objective data should you collect when inspecting the external ear and canal?
Answer
Size/shape, skin condition, redness/swelling, lesions, foreign bodies, discharge.
12
Question
What is the whispered voice test used for in audiology screening?
Answer
Assess hearing acuity by whispering a word to each ear separately.
13
Question
What is Romberg test used to assess?
Answer
Vestibular apparatus for balance; cerebellar function and proprioception.
14
Question
What do Rinne and Weber tests evaluate?
Answer
Rinne: conductive vs sensorineural hearing loss; Weber: lateralization of sound.
15
Question
How should you adapt otoscopic technique in adults compared with infants?
Answer
Adults: pull pinna up and back; hold otoscope inverted; ensure gentle stabilization.
16
Question
What age-related changes in the tympanic membrane and ear occur with presbycusis?
Answer
Thickening and becoming whiter/opaque; high-frequency hearing loss; decreased discrimination.
17
Question
Define presbycusis and its primary site of pathology.
Answer
Sensorineural hearing loss due to nerve degeneration in the inner ear or CN VIII.
18
Question
What are common subjective symptoms of otitis media in children?
Answer
Ear pain, crying, irritability, poor sleep, fever, decreased hearing.
19
Question
Which test evaluates conductive vs sensorineural hearing loss using a bone vibration method?
Answer
Weber test.
20
Question
What are the normal adult ranges for vital signs relevant to respiratory assessment in this course context?
Answer
Pulse 60-100 bpm; RR 12-20/min; SpO2 97-99% (typical healthy range).
21
Question
What are the two main divisions of the paranasal sinuses and their general functions?
Answer
Lighten skull weight and provide resonance; drain mucus into nasal cavity.
22
Question
Name the four paranasal sinus pairs and a distinguishing feature.
Answer
Frontal (above orbits; develop age 7-8), Maxillary (present at birth), Ethmoid (between orbits), Sphenoid (develop after puberty).
23
Question
What constitutes abnormal findings in the external nose and nasal mucosa?
Answer
External deformity, lack of sniff, red boggy mucosa in rhinitis, purulent discharge in infection.
24
Question
What is Kiesselbach plexus, and why is it clinically important?
Answer
A common anterior septal vascular plexus; frequent source of epistaxis.
25
Question
How would you differentiate nasal polyps from turbinate edema on examination?
Answer
Polyps: pale gray, avascular, mobile; turbinates: vascular and tender if touched.
26
Question
What is the clinical significance of a deviated nasal septum?
Answer
May obstruct airflow and predispose to obstruction-related issues.
27
Question
In infants, what is the chief physiologic difference in breathing compared with older children and adults?
Answer
Infants are obligate nasal breathers with diaphragmatic respiration; abdomen moves with breathing.
28
Question
What are the Frieden of adventitious lung sounds and their general associations?
Answer
Crackles: pneumonia/edema; wheezes: asthma or COPD; rhonchi: secretions; stridor: upper airway obstruction.
29
Question
Describe the normal and abnormal fremitus findings during chest auscultation and palpation.
Answer
Normal fremitus: symmetrical vibrations; decreased with effusion/obstruction; increased with consolidation.
30
Question
What is the significance of a silent chest in auscultation?
Answer
Indicates no air movement; life-threatening.