Question

A nurse suspects the patient has an infection of the maxillary sinuses. How can this suspicion be confirmed?

a. Using a flashlight to illuminate the floor of the mouth
b. Pressing gently with both thumbs into the eyebrow ridges
c. Applying firm pressure with the thumbs below the cheekbones
d. Standing behind the patient and asking him or her to slowly rotate the head

Answer 1

A nurse can confirm a suspected infection in the maxillary sinuses by applying firm pressure below the cheekbones or gently pressing on the eyebrow ridges to elicit pain or tenderness. These physical examinations can help confirm the presence of a sinus infection.

Step-by-step explanation:

To confirm the suspicion of an infection in the maxillary sinuses, a nurse can apply firm pressure with the thumbs below the cheekbones. This technique helps to elicit pain or tenderness in the affected sinuses, indicating a possible infection. Pressing gently with both thumbs into the eyebrow ridges can also be used to assess for tenderness or pain in the frontal sinuses. These physical examinations can help confirm the presence of a sinus infection.