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Quizzes > Health & Medicine

Frontal Sinus Assessment Quiz for Nurses

Quick, free sinus palpation quiz. Instant results and tips.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Danni WhiteUpdated Aug 25, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration showing nurse performing frontal sinus physical assessment quiz on golden yellow background

This quiz helps you practice frontal sinus assessment, including where to locate and how to palpate during a head exam. Use it to reinforce key steps and spot small gaps before clinical practice. For a broader review, try the nursing health assessment quiz, refresh anatomy with the ethmoid bone quiz, or check neuro basics in the cranial nerves quiz.

Where are the frontal sinuses located?
Deep within the cheekbones
Below the eyes in the maxillary region
Directly behind the nasal septum
Above the eyebrows
Frontal sinuses are air-filled cavities in the frontal bone situated above the orbits and just above the eyebrows. They play a role in humidifying inhaled air and reducing the weight of the skull. During assessment, tenderness in this region can indicate sinusitis or inflammation.
Which technique is primarily used to assess the frontal sinuses?
Otoscopy
Auscultation
Palpation
Percussion
Palpation is the main technique used to assess the frontal sinuses, involving gentle pressure over the frontal bone to elicit tenderness or pain. Percussion can supplement palpation but is not as commonly used for this area. Auscultation and otoscopy are not appropriate for sinus assessment.
During frontal sinus assessment, a nurse palpates which anatomical area?
Maxillary alveolar ridge
Glabella at the midline above the nose
Zygomatic arch below the eye
Inferior orbital rim
The glabella, located at the smooth area above the nose and between the eyebrows, overlies the frontal sinuses. Palpation in this region helps assess for tenderness or masses. Structures like the zygomatic arch lie lateral to the sinuses and are not used in frontal sinus examination.
Percussion of the frontal sinuses is best performed using which part of the hand?
Palm of the hand
Ulnar border of the hand
Tip of the index finger
Thenar eminence
Percussion over the frontal sinuses is typically done with the tip of the index or middle finger to produce a clear, resonant response. Using larger surfaces like the palm or thenar eminence can muffle the sound and provide inconclusive information. The ulnar border is also not ideal for sinus percussion.
What finding indicates tenderness during frontal sinus assessment?
Pain when gentle pressure is applied
Warmth without pain
Visible crepitus under the skin
A resonant percussion note
Tenderness of the frontal sinuses is demonstrated by the patient reporting pain when gentle pressure is applied over the frontal bone. Resonant notes on percussion indicate air-filled cavities and are normal. Crepitus and warmth without pain are not typical findings in uncomplicated sinus palpation.
Where is pain typically located in frontal sinusitis?
Side of the neck
Lateral cheek near zygoma
Forehead above the eyebrows
Upper jaw and teeth
Frontal sinusitis usually causes forehead pain or pressure above the eyebrows since the infection is in the frontal sinuses. Maxillary sinusitis, by contrast, often causes upper jaw or dental pain, and zygomatic pain is less specific. Neck pain is unrelated to sinus pathology.
Which symptom suggests an acute frontal sinus infection?
Unilateral ear pain
Severe frontal headache with forehead pressure
Swollen cervical lymph nodes
Blurred vision
An acute frontal sinus infection frequently presents with a severe frontal headache and a sensation of pressure over the forehead. While lymphadenopathy can occur, it's more common in systemic infections. Ear pain and vision changes point to other pathologies.
What is the best patient position for frontal sinus palpation?
Prone with face in pillow
Standing with chin tucked
Sitting upright with slight neck extension
Supine with head flexed
Having the patient sit upright with slight neck extension relaxes the tissues and allows better access to the frontal sinuses. Flexion or prone positions complicate access and patient comfort. Standing with chin tucked can obscure the site.
Which visual sign may accompany frontal sinus inflammation?
Swelling just above the eyebrows
Conjunctival hemorrhage
Ptosis of the eyelid
Nasal alar flaring
Inflammation of the frontal sinuses can lead to visible swelling over the frontal bone just above the eyebrows. Nasal flaring and eye signs like conjunctival hemorrhage or ptosis are not typical in uncomplicated frontal sinusitis.
What is the normal percussion sound over healthy frontal sinuses?
Tympanic
Dull
Hyperresonant
Resonant
A resonant sound indicates that the sinus cavity is air-filled and healthy. Dullness suggests fluid or mucosal thickening, tympanic sounds are more typical of the stomach or intestines, and hyperresonance indicates extra air such as in emphysema.
Which instrument is useful for detailed visualization of the frontal sinus ostium?
Otoscope
Stethoscope
Ophthalmoscope
Endoscope
An endoscope allows direct visualization of the frontal sinus ostium and drainage pathways during nasal endoscopy. Stethoscopes, otoscopes, and ophthalmoscopes are designed for different systems and do not provide internal sinus views.
Which cranial nerve provides sensory innervation to the frontal sinus region?
Facial nerve (VII)
Ophthalmic branch of trigeminal nerve (V1)
Glossopharyngeal nerve (IX)
Maxillary branch of trigeminal nerve (V2)
The ophthalmic division (V1) of the trigeminal nerve supplies sensation to the frontal sinus area via the supraorbital and supratrochlear nerves. The maxillary division (V2) supplies the midface and maxillary sinuses. Cranial nerves VII and IX have different functions.
At what age are frontal sinuses typically fully developed?
5 to 7 years
3 to 4 years
18 to 20 years
Birth
Frontal sinuses start to develop around age 2 but reach full size and pneumatization by late adolescence, typically between 18 and 20 years. They are absent or very small at birth and slowly enlarge through childhood.
Into which nasal meatus do the frontal sinuses drain?
Middle meatus
Sphenoethmoidal recess
Inferior meatus
Superior meatus
The frontal sinuses drain via the frontal recess into the middle nasal meatus. Superior and inferior meatus openings correspond to other sinuses, and the sphenoethmoidal recess drains the sphenoidal sinus.
The frontal sinuses are located within which bone of the skull?
Ethmoid bone
Frontal bone
Sphenoid bone
Maxillary bone
The frontal sinuses are contained within the frontal bone, which forms the forehead and the superior part of the orbital cavities. Ethmoid, maxillary, and sphenoid bones house their respective sinuses.
Asymmetric tenderness during frontal sinus assessment indicates which condition?
Normal anatomical variant
Acute frontal sinusitis on the tender side
Trigeminal neuralgia
Bilateral frontal bone fracture
Tenderness localized to one frontal sinus suggests acute inflammation or infection on that side. Fractures or neuralgias have different presentations and may not cause focal sinus tenderness. An anatomical variant without inflammation is typically asymptomatic.
What is the gold standard imaging modality for detailed evaluation of the frontal sinuses?
Ultrasound of the frontal region
MRI of the head
CT scan of the sinuses
Waters' X-ray view
CT scans provide high-resolution images of bony structures and air-fluid levels, making them the gold standard for frontal sinus evaluation. MRI is superior for soft-tissue detail but less so for bone. Waters' view and ultrasound have limited sensitivity for small or complex sinus pathology.
The frontal sinus drains into which anatomical structure first?
Ethmoidal infundibulum
Nasolacrimal duct
Sphenopalatine foramen
Inferior nasal meatus
Frontal sinuses drain via the frontonasal duct into the ethmoidal infundibulum, then into the middle nasal meatus. The nasolacrimal duct drains tears, not sinus secretions. The inferior meatus is associated with the nasolacrimal duct, and the sphenopalatine foramen is an entry for vessels and nerves.
When assessing for a possible frontal sinus fracture, what finding is most concerning?
Resonant percussion note
Slight frontal headache
Mild forehead swelling
Crepitus over the frontal bone
Crepitus palpated over the frontal bone suggests underlying bone fractures with subcutaneous air. A resonant note is normal for air-filled sinuses, and mild swelling or headache can be seen in minor trauma or infection. Crepitus is specific for fracture or trauma-related air leakage.
Which pathogen is most commonly implicated in acute frontal sinusitis?
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Haemophilus influenzae
Staphylococcus aureus
Escherichia coli
Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most frequently isolated organism in acute bacterial frontal sinusitis. Haemophilus influenzae is common but ranks second. Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli are less commonly involved.
In periorbital cellulitis secondary to frontal sinusitis, which sign should be closely monitored?
Thoracic expansion
Pulse oximetry in toes
Proptosis of the eyeball
Abdominal girth
Proptosis indicates orbital involvement and possible abscess formation, a serious complication of frontal sinusitis. Thoracic expansion, peripheral pulse oximetry, and abdominal measurements are unrelated to periorbital cellulitis.
Which non-invasive technique can help determine patency of the frontal sinuses?
Transillumination
Palpation
Endoscopic evaluation
Magnetic resonance imaging
Transillumination uses a light source against the frontal bone to assess sinus patency based on light transmission. MRI and endoscopy are more invasive or resource-intensive, and palpation assesses tenderness rather than patency.
Where should the light be placed when transilluminating the frontal sinuses?
Mastoid process
Mandibular angle
Zygomatic arch
Supraorbital ridge
For frontal sinus transillumination, the light is placed just above the orbit on the supraorbital ridge. Other points are distant from the frontal sinus cavities and will not produce a reliable glow.
A mucocele in the frontal sinus most commonly presents as:
Epistaxis
Acute sharp facial pain
Painless swelling over the forehead
Diplopia
Frontal sinus mucoceles are cystic lesions filled with mucus that expand slowly, often causing painless swelling of the forehead or orbital roof. They are not typically painful initially, nor do they cause nosebleeds or double vision unless advanced.
At what age are frontal sinuses first clearly visible on radiographs in children?
10 to 12 years
6 to 8 years
Birth
3 to 4 years
Frontal sinuses begin to pneumatize around age 2 but become reliably visible on radiographs between ages 6 and 8. They continue to develop into adolescence.
What defines a hypoplastic frontal sinus?
Frontal bone fracture
Presence of multiple septations
Underdeveloped or absent sinus cavity
Inflamed sinus mucosa
A hypoplastic frontal sinus is one that is under-pneumatized or absent, representing a developmental variant. Mucosal inflammation, septations, and fractures are different conditions.
Which physical finding is most specific for acute frontal sinusitis?
Postnasal drip
General nasal congestion
Focal forehead tenderness
Halitosis
Localized tenderness over the frontal bone is highly suggestive of frontal sinusitis. Nasal congestion and postnasal drip occur in many upper airway conditions, and halitosis is nonspecific.
Which maneuver can help facilitate drainage from the frontal sinuses during assessment?
Leaning the head forward
Lateral head tilt
Trendelenburg position
Hyperextending the neck
Leaning the head forward uses gravity to assist drainage of secretions from the frontal sinuses into the nasal cavity. Neck hyperextension and lateral tilts do not aid drainage, and Trendelenburg can increase pressure in the sinuses.
A dull percussion note over the frontal sinus suggests which finding?
Frontal bone fracture
Subcutaneous emphysema
Fluid or mucosal thickening
Normal air-filled cavity
A dull percussion sound indicates fluid accumulation or mucosal thickening within the sinus. An air-filled cavity produces a resonant note, fractures can cause crepitus, and emphysema gives a crackling sensation, not dullness.
If crepitus is felt over the frontal sinus, what is the recommended action?
Refer for imaging to evaluate for fracture
Continue standard palpation and note normal variant
Consult cardiology
Apply warm compresses only
Crepitus over the frontal bone suggests possible fracture with air in soft tissues; imaging is required. Assuming it's normal, only using compresses, or referring to cardiology would delay proper diagnosis and management.
The frontal sinus drains through which anatomical duct?
Paneth duct
Nasolacrimal duct
Frontonasal duct
Ductus reuniens
The frontonasal duct connects the frontal sinus to the anterior ethmoidal cells and the nasal cavity, facilitating drainage. The nasolacrimal duct drains tears, Paneth ducts are pancreatic, and ductus reuniens is part of inner ear anatomy.
A mucocele originating in the frontal sinus is most likely to erode into which structure?
Anterior cranial fossa
Nasopharynx
Mandibular ramus
Middle ear cavity
Frontal sinus mucoceles expand hydraulically and can erode the thin bone separating the sinus from the anterior cranial fossa. They do not typically invade the middle ear, nasopharynx, or mandibular structures.
Which serious complication can arise from untreated frontal sinusitis?
Osteomyelitis of the frontal bone
Otosclerosis
Labyrinthitis
Meniere's syndrome
Untreated frontal sinusitis can lead to osteomyelitis of the frontal bone, classically known as Pott's puffy tumour. Labyrinthitis, otosclerosis, and Meniere's syndrome involve the inner ear rather than the sinuses.
Pott's puffy tumour is characterized by which finding?
Nasal septal perforation
External auditory canal swelling
Orbital cellulitis without tenderness
Subperiosteal abscess over the frontal bone
Pott's puffy tumour is a subperiosteal abscess with osteomyelitis of the frontal bone, presenting as a forehead swelling. It does not typically cause ear canal swelling, septal perforation, or painless orbital cellulitis.
On CT imaging, what hallmark sign indicates fluid accumulation in the frontal sinus?
Calcification along the sinus floor
Bone sclerosis
Ground-glass opacity
Air-fluid level within the sinus
An air-fluid level on CT indicates fluid in the sinus cavity, a common finding in acute sinusitis. Ground-glass opacities are lung findings, calcifications may occur in chronic sinusitis but are not hallmark, and bone sclerosis is a chronic change.
Rouf's point is an anatomical landmark at the junction of which structures?
Sphenoid and ethmoid sinuses
Frontal and nasal bones
Maxilla and zygoma
Inferior and middle turbinates
Rouf's point is located at the frontonasal suture just superior to the root of the nose, marking the location over the frontal sinuses. Other options refer to unrelated anatomical junctions.
Which nerve block can provide anesthesia for the frontal sinus region?
Glossopharyngeal nerve block
Infraorbital nerve block
Mental nerve block
Supraorbital nerve block
A supraorbital nerve block anesthetizes sensory fibers of V1 that supply the frontal sinus area. Infraorbital and mental blocks target V2 distributions, and glossopharyngeal blocks are for the oropharynx.
During embryologic development, the frontal sinus invaginates into which structure?
Sphenoid body
Ethmoidal labyrinth
Temporal squama
Maxillary tuberosity
The frontal sinus pneumatizes from the anterior ethmoidal cells into the ethmoidal labyrinth. It does not develop into sphenoid, maxillary, or temporal regions.
One of the primary functions of the frontal sinuses is to:
Generate head heat
Reduce the weight of the skull
Produce cerebrospinal fluid
Equalize ear pressure
Frontal and other paranasal sinuses reduce skull weight and resonate the voice. They do not produce CSF, generate heat, or regulate ear pressure.
Which surgical approach is an endoscopic method to access the frontal sinus?
Open trephination
Draf IIb frontal sinusotomy
Sublabial approach
Caldwell-Luc procedure
The Draf IIb procedure is an advanced endoscopic frontal sinusotomy creating a large opening into the frontal recess. Caldwell-Luc, trephination, and sublabial approaches are external or open procedures.
Which radiographic view best demonstrates the frontal sinuses?
Lateral skull view
Towne's view
Waters' view
Occipitofrontal (Caldwell) view
The Caldwell view (occipitofrontal projection) provides a clear image of the frontal sinuses. Waters' view highlights maxillary sinuses, Towne's focuses on the occipital bone and foramen magnum, and lateral views overlay sinus images.
Which clinical sign indicates possible intracranial extension of frontal sinus infection?
Episodic hypertension
Generalized peripheral edema
Bradycardia
Meningeal signs such as neck stiffness
Neck stiffness and other meningeal signs suggest meningitis or intracranial extension. Bradycardia, edema, and hypertension are not specific to intracranial sinus complications.
The frontal sinus index relates which measurements?
Height to width ratio of the sinus
Sinus volume in milliliters
Drainage angle in degrees
Air pressure gradient
The frontal sinus index is the ratio of its vertical height to horizontal width, used in anthropological and forensic studies. It does not measure volume, drainage angle, or pressure.
The typical drainage path of the frontal sinus descends at approximately what angle?
90 degrees
120 degrees
45 degrees
30 degrees
Anatomical studies show the frontal recess drains inferiorly at an angle close to 45 degrees relative to the horizontal plane. Other angles do not accurately represent common drainage trajectories.
Which radiographic feature is characteristic of chronic frontal sinusitis?
Air-fluid level
Mucosal thickening lining the sinus
Perforation of sinus floor
Black shadows indicating air pockets
Chronic sinusitis typically results in persistent mucosal thickening and sclerosis, while air-fluid levels are seen in acute cases. Air pockets and sinus floor perforations are not hallmarks of chronic infection.
What is the primary advantage of MRI in frontal sinus assessment?
Soft tissue and intracranial extension evaluation
Superior bone detail
Air content measurement
Rapid bedside availability
MRI excels at soft tissue contrast and determining intracranial complications such as abscesses. CT is superior for bone detail and air-fluid levels, and MRI is not typically available at bedside.
In high-resolution ultrasound assessment of the frontal sinuses, which probe frequency is preferred?
3 - 5 MHz phased array probe
1 - 3 MHz convex probe
7 - 12 MHz linear probe
5 - 7 MHz microconvex probe
A 7 - 12 MHz linear probe provides high-frequency, superficial imaging ideal for assessing the bony and mucosal layers of the frontal sinus. Lower-frequency probes lack resolution for superficial structures, and convex or phased probes are optimized for deeper organs.
Variation in frontal sinus pneumatization has been shown to correlate most strongly with which factor?
Gender
Ethnicity
Diet
Height
Anthropological studies have demonstrated significant variation in frontal sinus pneumatization patterns among different ethnic groups. Diet, gender, and height have not shown as strong a correlation.
Intracranial complication risk in frontal sinusitis increases significantly when sinus outflow remains obstructed for longer than:
24 hours
2 weeks
48 hours
7 days
Persistent obstruction of frontal sinus drainage beyond two weeks increases the risk of intracranial complications such as abscess formation. Shorter durations are more typical of acute presentations without severe extension.
Which antibiotic regimen is considered first-line for acute frontal sinusitis with suspected intracranial extension?
Ceftriaxone plus metronidazole
Levofloxacin
Amoxicillin alone
Clindamycin
Empiric therapy for sinusitis with potential intracranial involvement typically includes broad-spectrum IV antibiotics such as ceftriaxone plus metronidazole to cover aerobes and anaerobes. Amoxicillin, clindamycin, and levofloxacin lack the same broad intracranial coverage.
In a Draf III (modified endoscopic Lothrop) frontal sinusotomy, which structure is resected to connect both frontal sinuses?
Middle turbinate
Inferior turbinate
Nasofrontal beak
Anterior ethmoidal bulla
The Draf III procedure involves resecting the nasofrontal beak and intersinus septum to create a common drainage pathway between both frontal sinuses. Removing turbinates or ethmoidal bullae does not achieve the same bilateral opening.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify Frontal Sinus Anatomy -

    Explain where the frontal sinus is located in relation to facial landmarks and why accurate anatomical knowledge is critical for assessment.

  2. Determine the Correct Assessment Site -

    Locate the precise area on the forehead to apply palpation and percussion techniques for evaluating the frontal sinus.

  3. Apply Sinus Assessment Techniques -

    Demonstrate proper inspection, palpation, and percussion methods to assess the frontal sinus for tenderness or abnormal findings.

  4. Interpret Assessment Findings -

    Distinguish between normal and abnormal frontal sinus responses to physical examination and correlate them with potential pathologies.

  5. Integrate Skills into Practice -

    Incorporate frontal sinus assessment into a comprehensive nursing physical assessment using evidence-based practices.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Anatomy and Landmark Identification -

    Understand that the frontal sinuses sit within the frontal bone just above the supraorbital ridge, effectively beneath the eyebrows. A handy mnemonic is "Eyebrow Hat," visualizing sinuses under your "hat" brim (the brows). This anchors where the nurse assesses the frontal sinus - medial to each eyebrow.

  2. Percussion Technique -

    Learn to gently percuss the frontal sinus by tapping just above the supraorbital ridge with your middle finger while the patient's head is tilted slightly back. Sources like Bates' Guide to Physical Examination recommend comparing bilateral responses to detect asymmetry or fluid. Practice consistent pressure to avoid false tenderness readings during this key sinus assessment technique.

  3. Palpation for Tenderness -

    When the nurse assesses the frontal sinus where patients report pressure, use gentle, circular palpation over the medial brows and frontal bone. Research from the American Academy of Otolaryngology suggests noting any crepitus or sharp pain, as these may indicate sinusitis. Remember to assess on both sides for baseline comparison and symmetry.

  4. Use of Transillumination -

    In a dim room, place a small light source against the patient's frontal bone above one eyebrow to detect sinus fluid via a dim red glow through the forehead. University hospital protocols confirm that decreased or absent glow suggests fluid or mucosal thickening. This noninvasive technique complements manual assessment and boosts diagnostic confidence.

  5. Documentation and Patient Comfort -

    Always document findings precisely - note location, degree of tenderness, and symmetry following guidelines from the National Institute of Health. Encourage patient feedback throughout to ensure comfort, using soothing language and offering breaks if needed. Clear records and patient-centered care enhance clinical decision-making and trust.

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