A client reports dizziness on her yearly physical exam.
Which of the following tests would be the most appropriate to assess the client's equilibrium?

Choice A rationale

The general survey is an overall assessment of a client's physical appearance, behavior, mobility, and neurological status. It provides a comprehensive overview of the client's health and well-being, making it the focus of the nurse's observations in this scenario.

Choice B rationale

Medical history includes past and current health conditions, surgeries, medications, and family health history. While important, it is not the focus of the nurse's immediate observations in this scenario.

Choice C rationale

Biographical data involves personal information such as age, gender, occupation, and marital status. While relevant to the client's health, it is not the primary focus of the nurse's observations in this scenario.

Choice D rationale

Social history includes information about the client's lifestyle, habits, and social environment. While valuable for understanding the client's overall health context, it is not the focus of the nurse's immediate observations in this scenario. .

Choice A rationale

Rhonchi are low-pitched, continuous breath sounds that are often indicative of secretions in the large airways. These sounds may change or clear with coughing, so the nurse should have the patient cough and then auscultate again to reassess the presence of rhonchi.

Choice B rationale

Wheezes are high-pitched, musical sounds heard primarily during expiration. They are caused by narrowed airways, typically due to asthma or other obstructive lung conditions. Wheezes do not usually clear with coughing and require specific treatments to address airway constriction.

Choice C rationale

Crackles are discontinuous, popping sounds heard during inspiration and are associated with fluid in the alveoli, such as in conditions like pneumonia or heart failure. Crackles are not typically cleared by coughing and may persist despite the patient's efforts to clear their airways.

Choice D rationale

Stridor is a high-pitched, harsh sound heard during inspiration, often indicating upper airway obstruction. Stridor is a medical emergency and requires immediate intervention to secure the airway. It does not clear with coughing and signifies a critical respiratory issue. .