HEENT examination

A HEENT examination is a portion of a physical examination^[1] that principally concerns the head, eyes, ears, nose, and throat.^[2]

Steps

• IPPA
  • Inspection of scars or skin changes
  • Palpation of
    lymph nodes
  • Percussion may involve the skin above the frontal sinuses and paranasal sinuses to detect any signs of pain
  • Auscultation for carotid bruits
• Tests specific to HEENT examination
  • Eyes: eye examination and acuity (including
    ophthalmoscope
    )
  • Ears: hearing examination and evaluation of
    tympanic membrane (TM) (otoscope
    used in evaluation of ears, nose, and mouth)

A neurological examination is usually considered separate from the HEENT evaluation, although there can be some overlap in some cases.

Sample write-up

References