HEENT Exam and Diagnostics
Advanced physical assessment is used to evaluate complaints from the Head Ears Eyes Nose and Throat. This may lead to a final diagnosis from patient records, a subjective history and the physical exam using clinical reasoning. Conversely some HEENT concerns may require the addition of diagnostic labs to be performed for an accurate diagnosis.
Complete one of the three scenarios.
Consider the chief complaint of sore throat.
or
Consider the chief complaint of ear pain
or
Consider the chief complaint of eye swelling and pain
Demonstrate clinical judgment with regards to the chief complaint and case.
What pertinent information collected from the history would impact your assessment.
What would be pertinent positives or pertinent negatives found in the exam.
Include at least three differentials.
Include which diagnostics you would order based on your differentials and why.
How might a final diagnosis be determined?
Apply evidence-based support for your choices; including a clinical guideline for one of your differentials.
Finally, knowing that HEENT conditions can be painful and worrisome in children and adults, how would you communicate compassion during your encounter?