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 patient is postoperative day 6 following tympanoplasty and mastoidectomy. The patient has phoned the surgical unit and states that she is experiencing occasional sharp, shooting pains in her affected ear. How should the nurse best interpret this patients complaint?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Sharp, shooting pains are normal post-tympanoplasty/mastoidectomy as the eustachian tube adjusts, typically resolving in 2-3 weeks. Infection would involve constant pain and fever, and there's no evidence of rupture or surgical failure.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is discussing the results of a patients diagnostic testing with the nurse practitioner. What Weber test result would indicate the presence of a sensorineural loss?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In sensorineural hearing loss, the Weber test shows sound lateralizing to the better-hearing ear, as the affected ear has impaired nerve function. Equal hearing or sound in the poorer ear suggests normal hearing or conductive loss.
Question 3 of 5
The advanced practice nurse is attempting to examine the patients ear with an otoscope. Because of impacted cerumen, the tympanic membrane cannot be visualized. The nurse irrigates the patients ear with a solution of hydrogen peroxide and water to remove the impacted cerumen. What nursing intervention is most important to minimize nausea and vertigo during the procedure?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Warm irrigation fluid prevents vertigo and nausea, which cold fluid can trigger. Forceful irrigation risks perforation, curettes require special training, and standing is unnecessary.
Question 4 of 5
A patient is scheduled to have an electronystagmography as part of a diagnostic workup for Mnires disease. What question is it most important for the nurse to ask the patient in preparation for this test?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Electronystagmography requires withholding medications like tranquilizers or stimulants that affect nystagmus, ensuring accurate results. Claustrophobia, falls, or blood pressure are less relevant to test preparation.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is planning the care of a patient who is adapting to the use of a hearing aid for the first time. What is the most significant challenge experienced by a patient with hearing loss who is adapting to using a hearing aid for the first time?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Amplification of background noise is the primary challenge for new hearing aid users, often leading to discontinuation.
Tone/volume adjustment, canal irritation, and cleaning are secondary concerns.