A nurse is teaching a client about the Rinne test. Which of the following client statements indicates an understanding of the teaching?

Choice A Reason: Notifying child protective services is not the priority action, as it is not indicated by the skin irregularity. The skin irregularity is most likely a Mongolian spot, which is a benign, bluish-gray or purple patch of pigmentation that is common in infants of Asian, African, or Hispanic descent. It is not a sign of abuse or injury, but rather a normal variation of skin color.

Choice B Reason: This is the correct choice. Recording the finding is the priority action, as it documents the presence and location of the Mongolian spot and prevents confusion or misdiagnosis in the future. The Mongolian spot usually fades by age 2 to 4 years, but it may persist into adulthood.

Choice C Reason: Notifying the healthcare provider is not the priority action, as it is not necessary for the skin irregularity. The skin irregularity is not a cause for concern or intervention, but rather a normal variation of skin color.

Choice D Reason: Interviewing the clients about the injury is not the priority action, as it is not appropriate for the skin irregularity. The skin irregularity is not an injury, but rather a normal variation of skin color. Interviewing the clients about it may imply suspicion or accusation of abuse, which can damage the nurse-client relationship and trust.

Choice A Reason: Measuring the abdominal girth is not related to asterixis, which is a tremor of the hand when the wrist is extended. It may indicate ascites, which is a complication of cirrhosis, but not asterixis.

Choice B Reason: This is the correct choice. Asterixis is a flapping tremor of the hand when the wrist is extended, sometimes said to resemble a bird flapping its wings. It is caused by abnormal function of the diencephalic motor centers that regulate the muscles involved in maintaining posture. It is a sign of hepatic encephalopathy, which is a neuropsychiatric disorder that occurs in patients with liver disease.

Choice C Reason: Having the client flex and extend their foot is not related to asterixis, which affects the hand and wrist. It may test for ankle clonus, which is a rhythmic contraction of the calf muscles when the foot is dorsiflexed. It indicates an upper motor neuron lesion, but not hepatic encephalopathy.

Choice D Reason: Asking the client to walk heel to toe is not related to asterixis, which affects the hand and wrist. It may test for balance and coordination, which can be impaired in patients with hepatic encephalopathy, but it is not a specific sign of asterixis.