ATI LPN
Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing 14e (Hinkle 2017)
Chapter 64 : Assessment and Management of Patients with Hearing and Balance Disorders Questions
Question 1 of 5
A child goes to the school nurse and complains of not being able to hear the teacher. What test could the school nurse perform that would preliminarily indicate hearing loss?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The whisper test, assessing the ability to hear a whispered phrase, is a simple screening tool for hearing loss that a nurse can perform. Audiometry, Rinne, and Weber tests require specialized training or equipment.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is teaching preventative measures for otitis externa to a group of older adults. What action should the nurse encourage?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Avoiding cotton swabs prevents trauma to the ear canal, reducing otitis externa risk. Rinsing ears, noise avoidance, or routine antibiotics are not effective preventive measures.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is reviewing the health history of a newly admitted patient and reads that the patient has been previously diagnosed with exostoses. How should the nurse accommodate this fact into the patients plan of care?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Exostoses are benign bony growths in the ear canal that typically do not affect hearing or require specific interventions. Testing or medication reviews are unnecessary unless other symptoms arise.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is caring for a patient who has undergone a mastoidectomy. In an effort to prevent postoperative infection, what intervention should the nurse implement?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Keeping the ear dry for 6 weeks post-mastoidectomy prevents infection by avoiding water entry into the surgical site. Ototoxic drugs, cerumen removal, or temperature extremes are not infection-related risks.
Question 5 of 5
A patient is being discharged home after mastoid surgery. What topic should the nurse include in discharge teaching?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Teaching about analgesics and antivertiginous agents supports safe management of pain and vertigo post-mastoidectomy. Facial nerve changes are complications, audiometry is not routine, and OTC ear drops are not recommended.