Maxillary sinuses are palpated at which location?

Appeared in: NORCET 10 Prelims-2026

Explanation

The maxillary sinuses are anatomically located within the maxillary bones, which constitute the cheekbones.
The standard physical assessment technique to check for maxillary sinusitis involves palpating (applying gentle pressure) on the face just below the cheekbones.
Tenderness elicited during this maneuver is a key clinical sign of inflammation or infection within the maxillary sinuses.

Option A: Palpating under the eyebrows assesses the frontal sinuses, not the maxillary sinuses.
Option C: The nasal bridge is near the ethmoid sinuses, which are located deep within the skull and are not palpable from the exterior.
Option D: The temporal region is located on the side of the head and does not contain any of the paranasal sinuses.

Visual 1: Diagram - An anatomical illustration showing the locations of the four pairs of paranasal sinuses (frontal, maxillary, ethmoid, and sphenoid) on a human skull. This helps visualize their position relative to facial landmarks.
Visual 2: Infographic - A side-by-side comparison showing the correct hand placement for palpating the maxillary sinuses (below the cheeks) versus the frontal sinuses (under the eyebrows).

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Anatomy and Physical Assessment of Paranasal Sinuses as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Palpating the sinuses is a fundamental nursing assessment skill used to detect signs of sinusitis, which is inflammation of the sinuses often caused by infection or allergies.
Findings from sinus palpation, such as tenderness, combined with other symptoms like facial pain, pressure, purulent nasal discharge, and fever, help in the differential diagnosis of upper respiratory conditions.
What if? - If a patient reports pain upon palpation below the cheekbones AND under the eyebrows, it suggests that both the maxillary and frontal sinuses are inflamed, a condition known as pansinusitis, which may require more aggressive treatment.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key anatomical structure in the question: 'Maxillary sinuses'.
Second, recall the anatomical location of the maxillary sinuses from your study of the head and neck. Remember they are the largest sinuses and are located in the cheekbones.
Third, consider the term 'palpated'. This means you are looking for the external landmark on the face where you would press to assess the structure underneath.
Evaluate each option: 'Eyebrows' (frontal sinuses), 'Below cheek bone' (maxillary sinuses), 'Nasal bridge' (near ethmoid, but not palpable), and 'Temporal region' (no sinuses).
Select the option that directly corresponds to the anatomical location for palpating the maxillary sinuses.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Qmj-Eicw1Er4dQXTJ_v58Z

Practise the full NORCET 10 Prelims-2026

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.