A nurse caring for a client with acute peritonitis reviews the physician's orders. The orders include an NPO diet, insertion of a nasogastric tube set to low intermittent suction, and IV fluids at 50 mL per hour. When asked why he will need the NG tube, what is the nurse's best reply?

Choice A reason: This is incorrect because using sign language when communicating with the client is not an appropriate action for the nurse to take. Sign language is a form of communication that uses hand gestures, facial expressions, and body movements. It is not a universal language and requires training and practice. The nurse should not assume that the client knows or prefers sign language unless they have indicated so.

Choice B reason: This is incorrect because speaking loudly and into the client's good ear is not an appropriate action for the nurse to take. Speaking loudly can distort the sound quality and cause discomfort or irritation to the client. Speaking into the client's good ear can also create a sense of imbalance and isolation. The nurse should speak at a normal volume and tone, and face the client directly.

Choice C reason: This is the correct answer because speaking directly to the client in a normal, clear voice is an appropriate action for the nurse to take. Speaking directly to the client can help them see the nurse's mouth movements and facial expressions, which can enhance understanding and communication. Speaking in a normal, clear voice can help convey the message clearly and respectfully.

Choice D reason: This is incorrect because sitting by the client's side and speaking very slowly is not an appropriate action for the nurse to take. Sitting by the client's side can make it difficult for them to see the nurse's face and hear their voice. Speaking very slowly can also make the message unclear and patronizing. The nurse should sit in front of the client and speak at a normal pace.

Choice A Reason: The test is not inconclusive, but rather positive for conductive hearing loss. The Weber test involves placing a vibrating tuning fork on the center of the forehead and asking the client which ear hears the sound louder. It can help differentiate between conductive and sensorineural hearing loss.

Choice B Reason: This is the correct choice. The client has conductive hearing loss, which is a type of hearing loss that occurs when sound waves are blocked or reduced in the outer or middle ear. It can be caused by earwax, infection, fluid, perforation, or trauma. In conductive hearing loss, the Weber test shows lateralization to the affected ear, meaning the sound is heard louder in that ear.

Choice C Reason: The client does not have normal hearing, but rather conductive hearing loss. In normal hearing, the Weber test shows no lateralization, meaning the sound is heard equally in both ears.

Choice D Reason: The client does not have sensorineural hearing loss, but rather conductive hearing loss. Sensorineural hearing loss is a type of hearing loss that occurs when there is damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve. It can be caused by aging, noise exposure, disease, or drugs. In sensorineural hearing loss, the Weber test shows lateralization to the unaffected ear, meaning the sound is heard louder in that ear.