A complete neck and thyroid assessment addresses each of the following as indicated by the patient’s condition and orders, and compares each finding to baseline.
Neck inspection — masses, asymmetry, visible thyroid enlargement, surgical incisions, and distended vessels (venous findings are documented in Cardiovascular).
Neck range of motion — flexion, extension, and rotation, and any limitation or pain.
Thyroid — size, symmetry, nodules, and tenderness on palpation where within scope.
Tracheal position — midline versus deviated, and any stridor or airway concern.
Neck masses — location, size, mobility, consistency, and tenderness, distinguishing a thyroid from a nodal or other mass.
Post-thyroidectomy or post-neck-surgery status — the incision, and the signs of hypocalcemia (perioral numbness, tingling, tetany) and of hematoma or airway compromise.
Systemic thyroid symptoms as a screen — heat or cold intolerance, palpitations, tremor, weight change, and fatigue (documented and managed in Endocrine/Metabolic).
Swallowing-related neck findings and any compressive symptoms (coordinate with Taste/Swallowing).
The thyroid-medication context — replacement or antithyroid therapy and adherence (managed in Endocrine/Metabolic).
Any device — a tracheostomy is documented in Respiratory; note its presence and the neck around it here.
