Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Practice Exam

Which test can differentiate nasal septum dislocation from a normal variant of a misshapen nose?

1. Compression test

2. Sinus transillumination

3. X-ray

4. Physical examination

The correct answer is: Compression test

The compression test is a valuable method for differentiating a nasal septum dislocation from a normal variant in the shape of the nose. This test involves applying gentle pressure to the sides of the nose to assess the mobility and alignment of the nasal structures. If there is a normative variant, the nose may respond differently compared to a dislocated septum, which may exhibit abnormal movement or displacement. Utilizing this test allows practitioners to better evaluate the structural integrity of the nasal septum and distinguish between congenital deformities and trauma-related changes. In this context, the physical properties and response of the nasal structure during the compression can reveal significant differences that are not apparent through visual inspection alone. While other tests mentioned may contribute to the overall assessment of nasal conditions, they do not specifically focus on the structural mechanics of the septum in a way that highlights the differences between a dislocation and a normal variant. For instance, sinus transillumination primarily assesses sinus disease rather than the nasal anatomy, X-rays may provide limited information due to the overlapping structures of the nasal area, and a physical examination could be useful but lacks the specificity of the compression test.