An employee presents to an occupational health nurse with concerns that their hearing is worse on one side. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first to address the employee's concern?
Conduct a physical examination.
Irrigate the ear to remove any obstruction.
Advise the client on the use of ear plugs.
Refer the client to an audiologist.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A Reason:
Conducting a physical examination is the first step in addressing the employee's concern about hearing loss. This examination allows the nurse to assess the ear for any visible issues, such as earwax buildup, infection, or structural abnormalities. A thorough physical examination can help identify the cause of the hearing loss and determine the appropriate next steps. It is essential to rule out any immediate and easily treatable conditions before proceeding with more specialized interventions.
Choice B Reason:
Irrigating the ear to remove any obstruction, such as earwax, can be an effective treatment for hearing loss caused by cerumen impaction. However, this should only be done after a physical examination confirms that earwax is the cause of the hearing loss. Irrigation without proper assessment can potentially cause harm, especially if there is an underlying infection or perforation of the eardrum.
Choice C Reason:
Advising the client on the use of ear plugs is a preventive measure to protect hearing, particularly in noisy environments. However, this advice does not address the immediate concern of unilateral hearing loss. Ear plugs are more relevant for preventing further hearing damage rather than diagnosing or treating existing hearing issues.
Choice D Reason:
Referring the client to an audiologist is an important step if the initial physical examination does not reveal the cause of the hearing loss or if the hearing loss persists despite initial treatment. Audiologists specialize in diagnosing and treating hearing disorders and can perform comprehensive hearing tests. However, this referral should come after the nurse has conducted a preliminary assessment to rule out any obvious and treatable causes.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
The Social Cognitive Theory, developed by Albert Bandura, emphasizes the role of observational learning, social experiences, and reciprocal determinism in behavior change. It considers both internal factors (such as self-efficacy) and external factors (such as social influences and environmental conditions) in motivating behavior change. Therefore, it does not focus solely on internal factors.
Choice B Reason:
The Ecological Model, also known as the Social-Ecological Model, looks at multiple levels of influence on behavior, including individual, interpersonal, organizational, community, and public policy levels. This model highlights the interaction between individuals and their physical and sociocultural environments. It does not focus exclusively on internal factors but rather on a broad range of influences.
Choice C Reason:
The Transtheoretical Theory, also known as the Stages of Change Model, describes the process of intentional behavior change through five stages: precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance. While it considers internal factors such as motivation and readiness to change, it also acknowledges the role of external factors and interventions in facilitating progress through these stages.
Choice D Reason:
The Health Belief Model focuses on individual perceptions and beliefs as the primary motivators for adopting healthier behaviors. It considers factors such as perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, and perceived barriers. This model is centered on internal cognitive factors that influence a person's decision to engage in health-promoting behaviors, making it the correct answer for a model that looks only at internal factors.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: There's no way to predict how a client will do on a medical regimen.
This statement is incorrect because the Theory of Reasoned Action/Planned Behavior (TRA/TPB) provides a framework for predicting and understanding behaviors, including adherence to medical regimens. According to this theory, behavioral intentions, influenced by attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control, can predict actual behavior. Therefore, it is possible to predict how a client might adhere to a medical regimen based on these factors.
Choice B reason: There is a high chance of better outcomes with more education.
While education is important, it alone may not be sufficient to ensure better outcomes. The TRA/TPB suggests that intentions to perform a behavior are influenced by attitudes towards the behavior, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. Without addressing these factors, simply providing more education may not lead to improved adherence or outcomes.
Choice C reason: There is a higher chance of complications due to poor adherence to the plan.
This statement aligns with the TRA/TPB, which posits that poor adherence to a medical regimen can lead to negative health outcomes. In the context of diabetes management, poor adherence to dietary and exercise plans can result in uncontrolled blood glucose levels, leading to complications such as cardiovascular disease, neuropathy, and retinopathy. The client's reported lack of motivation and non-adherence to the meal plan and exercise regimen increases the risk of such complications.
Choice D reason: The outcomes will be about the same.
This statement is incorrect because it overlooks the impact of adherence on health outcomes. According to the TRA/TPB, adherence to recommended behaviors is crucial for achieving positive health outcomes. In diabetes management, adherence to dietary and exercise plans is essential for controlling blood glucose levels and preventing complications. Therefore, outcomes are unlikely to remain the same if the client does not adhere to the recommended regimen.
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