A client states, "I am legally blind." Which assessment technique should the nurse use to obtain data to support the client's statement?
Observe the client's eye movements through the cardinal fields of vision.
Observe the client's pupillary response to a penlight.
Observe the client's optic disc through an ophthalmoscope.
Assess the client's ability to read a Snellen chart from a distance of 20 feet.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Observe the client's eye movements through the cardinal fields of vision: This test evaluates extraocular muscle function and cranial nerves III, IV, and VI. It helps detect muscle weakness or nerve damage but does not measure visual acuity or diagnose legal blindness.
B. Observe the client's pupillary response to a penlight: This assesses the integrity of the optic and oculomotor nerves and reflexes, such as pupil constriction. While useful in neurological assessments, it does not determine the level of visual acuity needed to confirm legal blindness.
C. Observe the client's optic disc through an ophthalmoscope: Direct visualization of the optic disc can reveal issues like glaucoma or optic atrophy. However, it does not quantify vision loss or determine functional blindness as defined by acuity measurements.
D. Assess the client's ability to read a Snellen chart from a distance of 20 feet: This is the standard method for evaluating visual acuity. Legal blindness is defined in the U.S. as visual acuity of 20/200 or worse in the better eye with corrective lenses, making this test the most appropriate for supporting the client’s statement.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Repeat vocalizing the letter "E" while the thorax is auscultated: Egophony is assessed by having the client say "E" while the nurse auscultates the chest. In the presence of lung consolidation, such as in a lung abscess, the "E" sound may be auscultated as an "A"—a finding known as the "E-to-A" change, which is a hallmark of egophony.
B. Whisper "one, two, three" in sequence during auscultation of the thorax: This technique is used to assess whispered pectoriloquy, not egophony. It helps detect areas of lung consolidation if whispered words are heard clearly through the stethoscope.
C. Repeat the number "99" during a systematic auscultation of the thorax: This test is used to assess bronchophony, increased loudness and clarity of spoken words, another sign of lung consolidation. Clear transmission of "99" may suggest fluid or consolidation in the lungs.
D. Breathe in and out while all lobes of both lungs are auscultated: This is a standard part of respiratory assessment but is not specific for egophony. It helps detect abnormal breath sounds like wheezes, crackles, or diminished sounds, not vocal resonance changes.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Percuss diaphragmatic excursion: Percussion of diaphragmatic excursion helps evaluate the movement of the diaphragm during respiration but does not directly confirm the physical appearance or structural change associated with a barrel chest.
B. Palpate tactile fremitus on the posterior chest: Tactile fremitus assesses vibration transmission through lung tissue and can indicate consolidation or air trapping, but it is not useful for visually confirming a barrel-shaped chest.
C. Observe the appearance of the thorax: A barrel chest is a visual and structural change where the chest appears rounded and expanded due to increased anterior-posterior (AP) diameter of the chest , often seen in chronic respiratory conditions like COPD. Observing the shape and configuration of the thorax is the most direct and accurate method to confirm this physical finding.
D. Auscultate the client's breath sounds: Auscultation reveals the presence or absence of breath sounds and abnormal respiratory patterns but does not provide confirmation of chest shape. It is valuable in assessing lung function, not thoracic structure.
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