Examination of the Nose - Podcast Version 0:00 / 0:00 1x 0.25x 0.5x 0.75x 1x 1.25x 1.5x 1.75x 2x OSCE Checklist for Examination of the Nose Introduce yourself to the patient Wash your hands Briefly explain to the patient what the examination involves Ask the patient to remove any spectacles. Approach the examination in a systematic way, but be prepared to be instructed to move on quickly to certain sections by any examiner. External Nose By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2026) Fig. 1Squamous cell carcinoma of the nose Inspect the external nose, both anteriorly and laterally for: Size and shape Obvious swellings or deformity Scars or skin changes Including for skin malignancies Redness or discharge Ask the patient to tilt their head back (or gently tip the end of the nose up) and inspect the anterior nares; use a pen torch or otoscope if necessary. Check for the same characteristics as listed above. Nasal Cavity Use a head lamp with a nasal speculum to gently open up the nose Place the index finger in the middle of the speculum Use your middle and ring finger to support the speculum on each side By TeachMeSurgery (2020) Fig. 2How to Hold a Nasal Thudichum Examine the nasal cavity Nasal septum (medially), checking for Perforations Septal deviation or haematoma Superficial vessels or potential bleeding sites Turbinates (laterally), checking the Inferior terbinate (commonly visible) Middle turbinate (less commonly visible) Entire nasal cavity Rhinitis Oedematous and inflammaed mucosa Polyps (typically bilateral*) *A unilateral polyp warrants biopsy for histology, due to possible malignant cause Foreign bodies By MathieuMD (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia CommonsFig. 3Nasal polyp, located in the right nasal cavity. Unilateral polyps warrant biopsy and histological examination. Completing the Examination Remember, if you have forgotten something important, you can go back and complete this. To finish the examination, stand back from the patient and state to the examiner that to complete your examination, you would like to perform: Examination of palate Nasoendoscopy Frequent questions What is the first step in conducting a nose examination? To begin a nose examination, introduce yourself to the patient and explain the procedure briefly. This establishes rapport and prepares the patient for what to expect during the examination. How should the external nose be inspected? The external nose should be examined both from the front and the sides for size, shape, and any signs of deformity or lesions. Look for scars, skin changes, redness, or discharge that may indicate underlying conditions. What is the method for examining the nasal cavity? To examine the nasal cavity, use a head lamp and a nasal speculum to gently open the nose. Ensure proper support with your fingers while inspecting the nasal septum and turbinates for any abnormalities such as perforations or inflammation. What are common findings to look for in the nasal cavity during an examination? During the nasal cavity examination, check for signs of rhinitis, such as swollen mucosa, and assess for polyps, especially noting that unilateral polyps require further investigation due to potential malignancy. Also, be vigilant for foreign bodies that may obstruct the nasal passage. How should the examination of the nose be concluded? To conclude the nose examination, step back from the patient and inform the examiner about any additional assessments you wish to perform, such as examining the palate or conducting a nasoendoscopy. This ensures a comprehensive evaluation of the nasal region. Rate This Article