An advanced practice nurse has performed a Rinne test on a new patient. During the test, the patient reports that air-conducted sound is louder than bone-conducted sound. How should the nurse interpret this assessment finding?
The patient has sensorineural hearing loss
The patient is at risk for tinnitus
The patient’s hearing is likely normal
The patient likely has otosclerosis
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Sensorineural hearing loss is a type of hearing loss in which the root cause lies in the inner ear or sensory organ (cochlea and associated structures) or the vestibulocochlear nerve (cranial nerve VIII). Sensorineural hearing loss can be mild, moderate, severe, or profound, and it affects the ability to hear faint sounds or understand speech. However, in the Rinne test, if the air-conducted sound is louder than the bone-conducted sound, it indicates that the patient’s hearing is likely normal.
Choice B rationale
Tinnitus is the perception of noise or ringing in the ears. It is a common problem that affects about 15 to 20 percent of people and is especially common in older adults. However, the Rinne test is not used to diagnose tinnitus. It is used to compare air and bone conduction of sound.
Choice C rationale
In a normal Rinne test, air conduction (AC) is better than bone conduction (BC). This is referred to as a positive Rinne test. If a patient reports that air-conducted sound is louder than bone-conducted sound, it suggests that the patient’s hearing is likely normal.
Choice D rationale
Otosclerosis is a condition that affects the bones in the middle ear, causing hearing loss. It is a common cause of conductive hearing loss, particularly in young adults. However, in otosclerosis, bone conduction (BC) is better than air conduction (AC), which is referred to as a negative Rinne test.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Instructing the client on daily muscle stretching can help alleviate and relax muscle spasms, which is beneficial for a client diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
Choice B rationale
Ordering a low-residual diet is not typically a part of the care plan for a client diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
Choice C rationale
Encouraging the client to void every hour may not be necessary for a client diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, unless there are specific urinary symptoms present.
Choice D rationale
Providing total assistance with all activities of daily living may not be necessary for a client diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, as the level of assistance required can vary greatly depending on the severity of the disease.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Facial droop is a classic symptom of stroke. It occurs when there’s weakness or paralysis on one side of the face, which is caused by a disruption in the nerve signals due to a stroke. This can be easily observed in the person’s smile, as it will appear uneven.
Choice B rationale
While dysrhythmias can be associated with stroke, they are not the most indicative symptom. Dysrhythmias are more commonly associated with heart conditions.
Choice C rationale
Periorbital edema, or swelling around the eyes, is not typically a symptom of stroke. It can be caused by various conditions such as allergies, infections, or kidney problems.
Choice D rationale
Projectile vomiting is not typically a symptom of stroke. It can be caused by various conditions such as gastrointestinal issues, brain tumors, or increased intracranial pressure.
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