Supplementary Notes to the Thyroid Examination:

Draping & Inspection:

• Draping: The patient's neck should be completely exposed so the area of the thyroid can be completely seen.  For example, a turtleneck sweater or heavy jewelry would be removed. 

• Inspection: -one should inspect the thyroid region with and without having the patient swallow.

Adapted from Atlas of Human Anatomy (Netter) 2nd Edition.

Palpation: 

• Anterior approach: In order to make the patient feel more comfortable, the examiner can start the examination by placing their free hand on the patient’s shoulder.  One can stabilize the trachea and thyroid with one hand while palpating the contralateral lobe of the thyroid with the other hand.

• Posterior approach: While palpating the thyroid from behind, the examiners thumbs and hands stabilize the neck as the examiner uses their fingers to palpate the thyroid lobes.

• After initial palpation, palpation should be repeated while the patient swallows.

Auscultation:

• The thyroid should be auscultated, using the diaphragm, for bruits.