The posterior aspect of the throat and the tonsils can be difficult to see in some patients because they gag or are unable to open their mouth wide enough.
The posterior aspect of the throat and the tonsils can be difficult to see in some patients because they gag or are unable to open their mouth wide enough. Give such patients a hand mirror and ask them to use it to try to see their tonsils themselves. To do so, they will be forced to open their mouth properly. Meanwhile, you can peak around the mirror and, using your light, examine the back of the throat.
- Jennifer Slocum, CRNP
Jacksonville, Fla