A nurse in a provider's office is collecting data from a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to check the client's balance? (Select all that apply.)
Have the client perform heel-to-toe walking.
Perform Weber's test.
Check for a positive Babinski reflex.
Perform the Romberg test.
Have the client lie in bed and use his heel to draw a line on the opposite shin.
Correct Answer : A,D,E
A. Have the client perform heel-to-toe walking: Heel-to-toe walking (tandem gait) assesses balance and coordination by challenging the client’s ability to maintain stability during a narrow base of support. Difficulty with this test can indicate problems with cerebellar function or proprioception, which are essential for balance.
B. Perform Weber’s test: Weber’s test evaluates hearing by assessing bone conduction and is not related to balance assessment. It helps differentiate between conductive and sensorineural hearing loss but does not provide information about vestibular function.
C. Check for a positive Babinski reflex: Babinski reflex testing assesses neurological function of the corticospinal tract but does not evaluate balance. A positive Babinski indicates upper motor neuron damage but is unrelated to equilibrium or postural control.
D. Perform the Romberg test: The Romberg test evaluates proprioception and balance by assessing the client’s ability to maintain standing posture with eyes closed. A positive Romberg sign suggests impaired proprioception or vestibular dysfunction affecting balance.
E. Have the client lie in bed and use his heel to draw a line on the opposite shin: This test evaluates coordination and proprioception, important components of balance, by assessing precise lower limb control. Difficulty performing this task may indicate issues with neuromuscular control or proprioception.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","E","F","H","I"]
Explanation
A. The WBC count was not provided in the nurse’s notes or diagnostic section. Without any indication of infection or abnormal lab values, there is no basis to report WBC.
B. Although the pain level is mild (2/10), it may be contributing to anxiety, increased heart rate (110/min), and elevated BP (158/96 mm Hg). Report in context as part of a comprehensive assessment. Also, confirming that the pain is not worsening or atypical in nature is essential preoperatively.
C. The abdomen is soft, rounded, non-distended, with no tenderness, and active bowel sounds in all four quadrants — all normal postoperative readiness findings for abdominal surgery.
D. Knowing the blood type is routine pre-op procedure and is not an abnormal or urgent finding that needs immediate reporting. It is only relevant if transfusion is anticipated, which is not suggested here.
E. The client is requesting further details about the risks and benefits of surgery, which raises a legal and ethical concern about informed consent. The provider must ensure the client fully understands the procedure, otherwise surgery cannot proceed.
F. This is significantly elevated compared to baseline (126/74). Pre-op hypertension can increase surgical and anesthesia risk and should be evaluated further. It may be due to anxiety, pain, or another condition.
G. Platelet count values were not given in the scenario. Without abnormal lab results or bleeding concerns, there is no indication to report this.
H. This is lower than the previous baseline (97%). An SpO₂ < 94% on room air can signal underlying respiratory issues, atelectasis, sedation effects, or cardiac dysfunction, all of which should be addressed preoperatively.
I. The client ate breakfast at 0730 before a scheduled procedure, violating NPO (nothing by mouth) protocol. This significantly increases the risk of aspiration under anesthesia and must be reported immediately. The surgery may need to be rescheduled.
J. Capillary refill < 2 seconds is normal, indicating adequate peripheral perfusion. No issues with circulation are noted, so there's no reason to notify the provider.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. "I will be told about alternative procedures before I'm asked to sign the consent form." Understanding alternative options is a key component of informed consent. Clients must be informed about the risks, benefits, and alternatives to the proposed procedure so they can make a voluntary, educated decision.
B. "My nurse is responsible for obtaining informed consent." While nurses often witness the client’s signature and may provide teaching, the responsibility for obtaining informed consent legally lies with the provider performing the procedure, who must explain the details and answer questions.
C. "Once I sign the consent form, I cannot change my mind about having the procedure." Clients retain the right to withdraw consent at any time before the procedure begins. Signing the form does not waive this right, and they can refuse or delay the procedure if they choose.
D. "The consent form will include the estimated time for my recovery from the procedure." Recovery time is usually discussed during preoperative teaching but is not a required element of the consent form itself. The form primarily covers procedure details, risks, and alternatives.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
                        
                            
