(8) Mouth. Examine for loose teeth, bleeding, and abnormal alignment.
The oral mucosa should be pink and surfaces moist.
NOTE:
The mucosa membranes should be pink, regardless of skin color.
c. Neck.
(1) Trachea. Check for midline position, presence of a stoma and/or Medic
Alert "dog tags." (See figure 1-9.)
Figure 1-9. Midline position.
(2)
Suprasternal area (area above sternum). Check for retractions and feel
for crepitus.
(3) Neck veins. Check for distension (swelling or bulging). (See figure
1-10.) This may be a sign of heart failure.
(4) Cervical spine. Check for deformity or midline point tenderness without
moving the patient. (See figure 1-11.)
Figure 1-10. Check neck veins for
Figure 1-11. Palpating the cervical
distension.
spine.
MD0550
1-10
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