What Should be Assessed in the Head and Neck Examination?
The head and neck examination involves checking the size and shape of the head, palpating the fontanelles (soft spots), and inspecting the eyes, ears, nose, and mouth. For instance, the presence of a cleft palate can be detected by examining the mouth. The healthcare provider also looks for signs of craniosynostosis, where the sutures in the skull close prematurely.