A patient has had a sudden loss of vision after head trauma. How should the nurse best describe the placement of items on the dinner tray?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because using clock cues helps the patient visualize the placement of items based on a familiar concept. This aids in compensating for the loss of vision after head trauma. Choice B does not provide specific guidance on how to describe the placement. Choice C may be confusing for the patient as it is not a common way to describe item placement. Choice D puts unnecessary burden on the patient to describe the location first before confirming, which may be challenging for someone with sudden loss of vision.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Reduce environmental noise and distractions before communicating. This intervention is most likely to facilitate effective communication with a hearing-impaired patient because it creates an optimal environment for the patient to better focus on the communication. By reducing noise and distractions, the patient can more easily concentrate on the conversation and lip reading, if needed. This approach demonstrates sensitivity to the patient's needs and enhances the chances of successful communication. The other choices are incorrect because: A: Asking the patient to repeat what was said may cause frustration and does not address the environmental factors that can hinder communication. B: Standing directly in front of the patient to facilitate lip reading may help, but it does not address the impact of environmental noise and distractions on communication. D: Raising the voice to project sound at a higher frequency is not effective as it can distort speech and may not necessarily improve understanding for a hearing-impaired patient.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Sit or stand in front of the patient when speaking. This choice is correct because it allows the patient with otosclerosis to directly see the nurse's face and lip movements, aiding in lip-reading and understanding speech. Sitting or standing in front of the patient also ensures better eye contact and reduces background noise interference. Choice B is incorrect because exaggerated lip and mouth movements may distort speech and make it harder for the patient to understand. Choice C is incorrect because standing in front of a light or window can create glare and make it difficult for the patient to see the nurse's face clearly. Choice D is incorrect because saying the patient's name loudly before starting to talk does not directly address the communication needs of a patient with otosclerosis.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Have you ever experienced claustrophobia or feelings of anxiety while in enclosed spaces? This question is important because electronystagmography involves the patient being placed in a confined space with sensors attached to monitor eye movements. Claustrophobia or anxiety can significantly impact the patient's ability to tolerate the test, affecting its accuracy. Choice B: Do you currently take any tranquilizers or stimulants on a regular basis? While relevant in some cases, it is not as crucial as ensuring the patient can tolerate the test environment. Choice C: Do you have a history of falls or problems with loss of balance? While relevant to Mnire's disease, it is not directly related to the preparation for electronystagmography. Choice D: Do you have a history of either high or low blood pressure? While monitoring blood pressure is important for some procedures, it is not a primary concern for electronystagmography.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Test the patient's hearing promptly. This is because before dispensing hearing aids, it is crucial to accurately assess the patient's hearing ability. Testing the patient's hearing promptly allows the healthcare professional to determine the type and degree of hearing loss, which is essential for selecting the appropriate hearing aids. Performing an otoscopy (choice B) may be part of the assessment but does not provide information on hearing ability. Measuring the width of the patient's ear canal (choice C) is not necessary for dispensing hearing aids. Referring the patient to his primary care physician (choice D) may delay the process of obtaining hearing aids and is not directly related to the responsibility of the health professional dispensing hearing aids.