ATI RN
NCLEX Practice Questions Health Assessment Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is performing an otoscopic examination on an adult. Which of the following is true?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Pull the pinna up and back before inserting the speculum. This is because pulling the pinna up and back straightens the auditory canal, allowing for easier and more accurate insertion of the speculum without causing discomfort or injury. Option A is incorrect as tilting the head forward may obstruct the view. Option B is incorrect as maintaining traction is essential for stability. Option D is incorrect as using the smallest speculum may not provide a clear view or proper insertion depth.
Question 2 of 5
An assessment of a 23-year-old patient reveals the following: an auricle that is tender and reddish blue in colour and has small vesicles. What additional information would the nurse need to know?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Any recent drainage from the ear. This is crucial because drainage could indicate an infection or other underlying issue causing the auricle symptoms. Hearing changes (option A) may not be directly related to the auricle findings. Recent trauma (option C) would be more evident on inspection. Prolonged cold exposure (option D) is less likely to cause the described symptoms.
Question 3 of 5
Which of the following traditionally used hearing tests have been recently found to yield unreliable data?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Weber. The Weber test has been found to yield unreliable data recently due to its subjectivity and inconsistency in interpretation. The test involves placing a vibrating tuning fork on the midline of the head to assess lateralization of sound. However, factors like bone conduction and individual perception can influence the results, leading to inaccuracies. Romberg test (B) evaluates balance, Whisper test (C) assesses hearing sensitivity, and Audiometer (D) measures hearing thresholds objectively. These tests are more reliable in providing accurate data compared to the Weber test.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse suspects that a patient has otitis media. Which of the following findings of the tympanic membrane are early signs of otitis media?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Red and bulging. In otitis media, the tympanic membrane becomes red and bulging due to inflammation and fluid accumulation. This is an early sign as it indicates increased pressure within the middle ear. Choice B (Hypomobility) is incorrect because it refers to decreased movement of the tympanic membrane, which is not specific to otitis media. Choice C (Retraction with landmarks clearly visible) is incorrect as it suggests the tympanic membrane is pulled inward, which is more indicative of otitis media with effusion rather than acute otitis media. Choice D (Flat, slightly pulled in at the center, and moves with insufflation) is incorrect as it describes a normal or retracted tympanic membrane rather than the characteristic red and bulging appearance seen in otitis media.
Question 5 of 5
During an otoscopic examination, the nurse notes an area of black and white dots on the tympanic membrane and ear canal wall. What does this finding suggest?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The presence of black and white dots on the tympanic membrane and ear canal wall during an otoscopic examination suggests a yeast or fungal infection. This is because yeast or fungal infections commonly present as white or black dots in the ear canal. Malignancy would typically manifest as abnormal growths or masses, not dots. Viral infections usually do not present as specific dots on the tympanic membrane. Blood in the middle ear would appear as red or pinkish fluid behind the eardrum, not as black and white dots. Therefore, the correct answer is D: Yeast or fungal infection.