The nurse examines a client's auditory canal and tympanic membrane with an otoscope. The nurse recognizes that which of the following is considered an abnormal finding?
A shiny, pearly white color tympanic membrane
The presence of cerumen
The presence of a cone of light
A yellow or amber color to the tympanic membrane.
The Correct Answer is D
A. A shiny, pearly white color tympanic membrane: This is a normal finding. A healthy tympanic membrane often appears shiny and pearly white.
B. The presence of cerumen: This is a normal finding. Cerumen, or earwax, is a natural substance that helps protect the ear canal.
C. The presence of a cone of light: This is a normal finding. The cone of light is a reflection of the otoscope light on the tympanic membrane and is a normal variation.
D. A yellow or amber color to the tympanic membrane: This is considered an abnormal finding. A yellow or amber coloration of the tympanic membrane can indicate the presence of fluid or infection behind the eardrum, which may be a sign of otitis media or other ear conditions.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Wheezing: Wheezing is a continuous, high-pitched whistling sound usually heard during expiration. It is often associated with narrowed airways, such as in asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Wheezing occurs due to the turbulent airflow through narrowed bronchi or bronchioles and is not typically associated with pleuritis.
B. Friction rub: Pleuritis, or inflammation of the pleura, can cause a friction rub. This sound occurs when the inflamed pleural layers rub against each other during breathing. It's a grating or rubbing sound heard on auscultation and is a hallmark sign of pleuritis.
C. Stridor: Stridor is a high-pitched, harsh sound heard during inspiration and sometimes expiration. It is often a sign of upper airway obstruction, such as in croup or anaphylaxis. Stridor results from turbulent airflow through a partially obstructed or narrowed larynx or trachea.
D. Crackles: Crackles, also known as rales, are brief, discontinuous, popping sounds heard on inspiration. They can be fine or coarse and are often associated with conditions that cause fluid or secretions in the alveoli or small airways, such as pneumonia or heart failure. Crackles are not typically associated with pleuritis.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Perform the confrontation test:
The confrontation test is a basic visual field screening test. It assesses the peripheral vision by having the patient cover one eye and the examiner covers the opposite eye. The patient and the examiner then bring their fingers into the visual field from the periphery, and the patient indicates when they see the fingers.
B. Ask the patient to read the print on a handheld Jaeger card:
Jaeger cards are used for near vision testing. The patient reads progressively smaller print to assess their near vision acuity.
C. Determine the patient's ability to read newsprint at a distance of 12 to 14 inches:
This method assesses near vision. It is often used informally in clinical settings, where the patient is asked to read a newspaper or similar print at a comfortable reading distance.
D. Use the Snellen chart positioned 20 feet away from the patient:
The Snellen chart is a standardized chart used for visual acuity testing. It is placed 20 feet away from the patient, and the patient is asked to read the letters or symbols on the chart with one eye covered at a time.
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