A nurse is planning to reinforce teaching with a preschooler who is about to undergo an incision and

drainage for cellulitis on the left arm. Which of the following techniques should the nurse use?

Choice A rationale:

Measuring the amount of time the child can hear the sound is not the correct action when performing Weber's test. Weber's test is used to assess hearing acuity and lateralization. In this test, a vibrating tuning fork is placed in the middle of the patient's forehead, and the patient is asked if the sound is heard equally in both ears or if it is louder in one ear. This helps identify whether there is a conductive or sensorineural hearing loss. The duration of hearing the sound is not relevant to this test.

Choice B rationale:

Obtaining a tympanogram reading is not necessary before initiating Weber's test. Tympanometry assesses the movement of the eardrum in response to changes in air pressure and can help diagnose conditions like middle ear effusion or eustachian tube dysfunction. However, Weber's test focuses on lateralization of sound and does not require tympanogram readings.

Choice C rationale:

Placing a vibrating tuning fork on the top of the child's head is the correct action for performing Weber's test. By doing so, the nurse can assess whether the sound is perceived equally in both ears or if it is lateralized to one ear. If the sound is lateralized, it can provide valuable information about the type of hearing loss the child may have, whether it's conductive or sensorineural.

Choice D rationale:

Holding a vibrating tuning fork 1 to 2 cm (0.4 to 0.8 in) from the child's ears is not the correct technique for Weber's test. Placing the tuning fork directly on the patient's forehead is essential for accurate assessment. Holding it close to the ears can lead to misinterpretation of the test results.

Choice A rationale:

Wire cutters are not necessary equipment for postoperative care after a thoracotomy with chest tube placement. Wire cutters are used for cutting wires and may be found in orthopedic or surgical trays, but they are not specifically required for thoracotomy care.

Choice B rationale:

A tracheostomy tray is not necessary for postoperative care following a thoracotomy with chest tube placement. Tracheostomy trays contain supplies for managing a tracheostomy, which is a procedure involving the creation of an opening in the neck to help with breathing. This procedure is not related to thoracotomy care.

Choice C rationale:

Montgomery straps are not necessary equipment for postoperative care after a thoracotomy with chest tube placement. Montgomery straps are used to secure dressings or bandages without adhesive tape. They are not typically used in thoracotomy care.

Choice D rationale:

A padded clamp is essential equipment for postoperative care after a thoracotomy with chest tube placement. The clamp is used to temporarily close or occlude the chest tube during transportation or when changing the drainage system. This prevents air from entering the pleural space, maintaining proper suction and preventing complications such as pneumothorax.