Health Assessment: A Learning Package
by Deborah Padgett-Coehlo RN, MN, C-PNP

CHAPTER: Eyes and Ears Examination

OVERVIEW

This unit covers the health assessment of the eyes and ears including:

1. Subjective information

2. Review of anatomy and physiology

3. Physical examination procedures

4. Developmental and cultural variations

5. Documentation

To assist in clarifying the history and examination procedures, eyes and ears are separated.

The CD-ROM presentation presents new glossary terms for this unit.

Functional vs. Systems:

If you are studying this unit using Functional Health Patterns, this unit would be included under Cognitive Perceptual Health Pattern, as both the eyes and the ears contribute to sensory interpretation.

If you are studying this unit using the Systems Approach, this unit would fall under "Head and Neck", and be examined during the head and neck examination.

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of this unit, the learner will be able to:

1. Identify questions pertinent to the eyes and ears during the health history.

2. Review anatomy and physiology of the eyes and ears.

3. Describe screening procedures for visual acuity.

4. Demonstrate physical examination procedures for the internal and external examination of the eyes and ears.

5. Understand variations in the health assessment of eyes and ears dependent on the age of the client.

6. Understand common variations in the eyes and ears dependent on ethnic and cultural background.

7. Demonstrate documentation of normal findings following the health assessment of the eyes and ears.

Supplemental Media:

1. Read Chapters 8 & 9, Seidel. 1999.  Mosby's Guide to Physical Assessment.  St. Louis: Mosby.

2. View "Eye and Ear Examination" in the video: Comprehensive Physical Examination

Learning Activities:

1. View CD-ROM presentations in this unit

2. Take Quiz: Eyes and Ears

3. View Video Tape: Eye and Ear Examination on Comprehensive Physical Examination video

4. Practice history and physical on your partner

5. Document your findings on the Assessment Form

6. Demonstrate skills during the final video tape