A nurse is teaching a class about physiological changes to hearing in older adult clients. Which of the following should the nurse include?
Decreased thickness of tympanic membranes
Decreased tinnitus
Decreased ear wax
Decreased ability to hear high-frequency sounds
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A Reason: Decreased thickness of tympanic membranes is not a physiological change to hearing in older adult clients. The tympanic membranes are thin and flexible structures that vibrate in response to sound waves. The thickness of the tympanic membranes does not change significantly with age.
Choice B Reason: Decreased tinnitus is not a physiological change to hearing in older adult clients. Tinnitus is a ringing or buzzing sound in the ears that may be caused by various factors, such as noise exposure, ear infections, medications, or aging. Tinnitus may increase or decrease with age, depending on the underlying cause.
Choice C Reason: Decreased ear wax is not a physiological change to hearing in older adult clients. Ear wax is a natural substance that lubricates and protects the ear canal from dust, bacteria, and insects. Ear wax production may vary with age, but it does not affect hearing unless it accumulates and blocks the ear canal.
Choice D Reason: Decreased ability to hear high-frequency sounds is a physiological change to hearing in older adult clients. This is also known as presbycusis, which is a gradual loss of hearing that occurs as part of aging. Presbycusis affects the ability to hear high-pitched sounds, such as consonants, birdsong, or alarms.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is incorrect because education about mastoidectomy is not relevant for a client with an upper respiratory infection. Mastoidectomy is a surgical procedure that removes part or all of the mastoid bone behind the ear, which can become infected or inflamed due to chronic or recurrent middle ear infections. The nurse should assess
the client's ear for signs of mastoiditis, such as swelling, tenderness, or redness behind the ear, but mastoidectomy is not a common or first-line treatment for upper respiratory infection.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect because a referral for a hearing test is not necessary for a client with an upper respiratory infection. Hearing test is a diagnostic tool that measures how well a person can hear different sounds at different frequencies and intensities. The nurse should ask the client about any changes in hearing or tinnitus, which are possible complications of upper respiratory infection, but a hearing test is not a routine or urgent intervention for this condition.
Choice C reason: This is correct because education on the administration of oral antibiotics can help treat an upper respiratory infection. Antibiotics are drugs that kill or inhibit bacteria that cause infections. Upper respiratory infections can be caused by various pathogens, such as viruses, bacteria, or fungi, but bacterial infections are more likely to cause fever, otalgia, or purulent nasal drainage. The nurse should instruct the client on how to take antibiotics as prescribed, such as dosage, frequency, duration, side effects, and interactions.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect because a prescription for an antifungal cream is not appropriate for a client with an upper respiratory infection. Antifungal cream is a topical medication that kills or inhibits fungi that cause skin infections. Upper respiratory infection is not a skin infection, but an infection of the nose, throat, or sinuses. Antifungal cream has no effect on upper respiratory infection and may cause adverse effects or resistance.

Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason: "I ate shellfish about 2 weeks ago at a local restaurant." supports the medical diagnosis of hepatitis A, which is an infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). HAV is transmitted by fecal-oral route, meaning that it can be contracted by ingesting contaminated food or water, such as raw or undercooked shellfish from polluted waters. The incubation period for hepatitis A is about two to six weeks.
Choice B Reason: "I was an intravenous drug abuser in the past and shared needles." does not support the medical diagnosis of hepatitis A, but may indicate exposure to hepatitis B or C, which are infections of the liver caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV). HBV and HCV are transmitted by blood or body fluids, meaning that they can be contracted by sharing needles, syringes, or other injection equipment with infected people.
Choice C Reason: "I had a blood transfusion in 1980 after major abdominal surgery." does not support the medical diagnosis of hepatitis A, but may indicate exposure to hepatitis B or C, which are infections of the liver caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV). HBV and HCV are transmitted by blood or body fluids, meaning that they can be contracted by receiving blood transfusions or organ transplants from infected donors. However, since 1992, all donated blood in the United States has been screened for HBV and HCV.
Choice D Reason: "I have had unprotected sex with multiple partners." does not support the medical diagnosis of hepatitis A, but may indicate exposure to hepatitis B or C, which are infections of the liver caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV). HBV and HCV are transmitted by blood or body fluids, meaning that they can be contracted by having unprotected sex with infected people. However, sexual transmission of HAV is rare, unless there is contact with fecal matter.
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