A nurse suspects an abnormal thyroid shape during the physical examination.Why does the nurse offer the patient a glass of water and watch her as she drinks?
A)To visualize an enlarged thyroid gland.
B)To evaluate for exostosis.
C)To test the patient's gag reflex.
D)To visualize the uvula and soft palate.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This technique is used to visualize an abnormally large thyroid gland.Normally,the thyroid cannot be visualized.An exostosis is a bony growth between the two palates that is noted when the oral cavity is examined.The patient's gag reflex is tested by placing a tongue depressor on the posterior tongue.The uvula and soft palate are visualized with the use of a penlight.Both structures should rise centrally as the patient says,"Ah."

A Nurse Suspects an Abnormal Thyroid Shape During the Physical