Welch Allyn Illuminators and Transilluminators - User Manual - Manual (Page 9)

Indirect Nasopharyngoscopy
Indirect nasopharyngoscopy (posterior rhino-
scopy) is accomplished with the Nasopharynx
Illuminator. Of interest is the “vault” of the
nasopharynx and eustachian tubes, adenoid
tissue, polyps and tumors.
The following steps will produce satisfactory
examination results:
1. The examiner should sit to one side (pa-
tient’s left) or in front of the patient to be
examined.
2. The Welch Allyn hand piece with attached
nasopharyngeal mirror is held in the exam-
iner’s right hand. The light switch is turned
on to illuminate the fiber optic light source.
3. Following depression of the tongue with a
tongue blade held in the left hand, the pa-
tient is asked to breathe simultaneously
through his nose and mouth. This relaxes
the soft palate.
4. The mirror is passed into the mouth along
the surface of the tongue blade, coming to
rest between the soft palate and the pha-
ryngeal wall. Care should be taken to avoid
touching the tongue, pharynx or palate
with the mirror.
5. The handle of the mirror is depressed and
rotated from side to side so that succes-
sive parts of the nasopharynx may be
viewed.
6. Should excessive gagging ensue, topical
anesthesia should be applied.