LESSON 2
PHYSICAL ASSESSMENT OF THE SENSORY SYSTEM (HEENT)
2-1.
INTRODUCTION
The sensory system is the part of the nervous system which allows humans to be
conscious of and react to their environment. Processes in the brain respond to nerve
impulses from sense receptors causing humans to have sensations. It is extremely
important that the sense organs function properly to keep humans aware of conditions
in their environment as well as activities taking place in their bodies. The sense organs
interpret data from the body's sense organs, and the body makes the appropriate
adjustments. Proper physical assessment of the sensory system is essential to ensure
that the sensory organs are functioning correctly.
2-2.
OBTAIN PATIENT HISTORY
Gathering medical information about the patient is very important in making a
diagnosis of the patient's present health condition. Information on these areas should
be obtained: past medical history, family history, psychosocial history, and a review of
the patient's body systems. The following information should be obtained about the
patient's present health problem:
a. Trauma. Is the health problem the result of trauma? If so, describe the
trauma.
b. Disease. Is the health problem the result of a disease? What diseases has
the patient had in the recent past?
c. Pain. Ask the patient to describe the pain in terms of its location, quality,
severity, time (when the pain occurs, how long the pain lasts, and how often the pain
occurs), region (the region of the body in which the pain occurs), conditions which make
the pain worse, and any other facts which are relevant to the pain.
2-3.
EXAMINATION OF THE FACE
The human face is not only the center for vital functions of the human body--
speech, eating, smell, taste, vision, and hearing--but the face is a very noticeable part of
the human anatomy. Any injury to the face can impair body functions and create severe
stress in a person's life. It is, therefore, important to locate and correct any facial
problem as soon as possible. Examine the face using two techniques: inspection and
palpation.
MD0582
2-2