A nurse is performing a voice test to assess a client's hearing. Which of these actions should the nurse perform?
Whisper random numbers letters, then have the client repeat them
Shield the lips so that the sound is muffled
Stand approximately 4 feet away from the client
Have the client place a finger in the ear canal to occlude outside noise
The Correct Answer is A
A) Whisper random numbers and letters, then have the client repeat them:
This is correct. The voice test is a simple way to assess a client's hearing. The nurse should stand about 2 feet away from the client and whisper random numbers or letters. The client should repeat what they hear. This test checks the ability to hear and distinguish sounds, particularly for high-frequency tones. It's an effective screening method for detecting hearing loss.
B) Shield the lips so that the sound is muffled:
This is incorrect. The nurse should not shield their lips during the voice test because it could interfere with the client's ability to hear and potentially read the nurse's lips, which can help with understanding. The client should be allowed to observe lip movements to aid in comprehension of the sounds being spoken.
C) Stand approximately 4 feet away from the client:
This is incorrect. The recommended distance for performing the voice test is typically around 2 feet, not 4 feet. Standing too far away can make it more difficult for the client to hear the whispered numbers or letters and could affect the accuracy of the test. The nurse should stand close enough (about 2 feet) to ensure that the sound is audible to the client but not too close as to distort the test.
D) Have the client place a finger in the ear canal to occlude outside noise:
This is incorrect. While the client should be instructed to avoid distractions or loud environments during the test, placing a finger in the ear canal is not necessary. The test assesses the client's ability to hear sound, and occluding the ear could affect the results. The client should simply be in a quiet environment.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Inspection of the shape and configuration of the chest during normal breathing:
While inspecting the shape and configuration of the chest can provide important information about potential deformities or abnormalities (such as a barrel chest or scoliosis), it does not directly assess the symmetry of chest expansion. Inspection primarily focuses on the external appearance rather than the physiological movement of the chest wall during respiration. Symmetry of chest expansion requires more than visual observation; it involves assessing the movement of the chest during inhalation and exhalation.
B) Placing hands sideways on the posterolateral chest wall with thumbs pointing together at the level of T9 or T10:
This technique is the most effective for confirming symmetric expansion of the chest. The nurse places their hands on the patient's back, with the thumbs positioned at the level of T9 or T10, and asks the patient to take a deep breath. As the patient inhales, the nurse assesses the expansion of both sides of the chest by observing whether the thumbs move apart symmetrically. This test directly evaluates the expansion of the lungs and chest wall during respiration and is the most accurate way to assess symmetry.
C) Percussion of the posterior chest to initiate vibration of the lung structures:
Percussion is a technique used to assess the underlying lung tissue and the presence of conditions like pneumonia, fluid accumulation, or air trapping. It does not directly assess the symmetry of chest expansion. While percussion may provide valuable diagnostic information about the lungs, it does not help in determining how evenly the chest is expanding during normal breathing.
D) Placing the palmar surface of the fingers of one hand against the chest and having the client repeat "ninety-nine":
This technique refers to vocal fremitus, where the nurse places their hands on the client's chest while the client repeats "ninety-nine." It helps assess the transmission of sound vibrations through the chest wall, which can be used to detect areas of consolidation or fluid in the lungs. However, it does not directly evaluate the symmetry of chest expansion. The vibration felt on both sides of the chest may be different in cases of lung disease, but this test does not assess the movement of the chest during breathing.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) II:
This is the correct answer. The optic nerve (cranial nerve II) is responsible for visual acuity, as it transmits visual information from the retina to the brain. When assessing visual acuity, the nurse is evaluating the function of the optic nerve, which is responsible for the sense of vision. Therefore, cranial nerve II should be assessed during a visual acuity exam.
B) I:
This is incorrect. The olfactory nerve (cranial nerve I) is responsible for the sense of smell, not vision. Visual acuity is not related to the olfactory nerve, so it is not involved in this type of assessment.
C) VI:
This is incorrect. The abducens nerve (cranial nerve VI) controls the lateral rectus muscle of the eye, which is responsible for outward eye movement. While cranial nerve VI plays a role in eye movement, it is not directly involved in measuring visual acuity, which pertains to the function of the optic nerve.
D) IV:
This is incorrect. The trochlear nerve (cranial nerve IV) controls the superior oblique muscle, which helps with eye movement, specifically downward and inward eye movements. This nerve is not involved in measuring visual acuity.
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.
