A nurse is collecting data on a client who has peripheral neuropathy. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

A. With aging, the tympanic membranes (eardrums) typically become thinner and less flexible, which can affect hearing. Therefore, this choice does not reflect the physiological changes that occur.
B. One of the most common changes in hearing as people age is presbycusis, which often leads to a decreased ability to hear high-frequency sounds. This loss can significantly impact communication and quality of life for older adults.
C. Tinnitus, which is the perception of ringing or buzzing in the ears, often does not decrease with age. In fact, many older adults experience increased tinnitus or persistent tinnitus due to age-related hearing loss or other factors, making this choice incorrect.
D. This is not typically accurate. Older adults often have an increased build-up of ear wax (cerumen) due to changes in ear canal structure and gland function. This can lead to blockages that affect hearing, so this choice does not represent a physiological change commonly observed in older adults.

A. This statement describes an action taken by the client and is considered objective information. It reports a measurable action rather than the client’s personal experience or feelings about their condition.
B. This is an objective finding, as it is a measurable and observable fact obtained through assessment. It
does not reflect the client’s perspective or self-reported symptoms.
C. It describes observable signs noted during the assessment and does not include any information shared by the client about how they feel.
D. It reflects the client’s personal experience of pain and provides context for the symptom, including the activity that triggered it. This type of information is essential in understanding the client’s condition from their perspective.