A nurse examines a client's auditory canal and tympanic membrane with an otoscope. The nurse should recognize that which of the following is considered an abnormal finding?

The presence of cerumen in the ear canal

A shiny, pearly white color tympanic membrane

A clear presence of a cone of light

A yellow or amber color to the tympanic membrane

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A) The presence of cerumen in the ear canal:
This is incorrect. The presence of cerumen (earwax) in the ear canal is not inherently abnormal. In fact, cerumen is a natural substance produced by the body to protect and clean the ear canal. While excessive buildup can lead to blockages or hearing impairment, some amount of cerumen is normal and does not indicate an abnormal finding.

B) A shiny, pearly white color tympanic membrane:
This is incorrect. A shiny, pearly white tympanic membrane is a normal finding. This color and appearance indicate a healthy, intact eardrum. The tympanic membrane should be translucent with a smooth surface and this typical pearly appearance in a healthy ear.

C) A clear presence of a cone of light:
This is incorrect. The cone of light is a normal finding during otoscopic examination. It is a reflection of the otoscope light off the tympanic membrane and should be visible in the anterior-inferior quadrant of the tympanic membrane. The presence of the cone of light suggests that the eardrum is intact and in a normal position.

D) A yellow or amber color to the tympanic membrane:
This is the correct answer. A yellow or amber color of the tympanic membrane suggests the presence of fluid behind the eardrum, which may indicate an ear infection or otitis media. This color change is considered abnormal and should prompt further investigation, as it can be a sign of inflammation, infection, or the accumulation of fluid in the middle ear.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A) Lid lag when moving the eyes from a superior to an inferior position:
This is incorrect. Lid lag refers to a delay in the movement of the eyelid as the eyes move downward. It is considered an abnormal finding and is often associated with conditions like hyperthyroidism (Graves' disease), where the eyelid does not follow the downward gaze appropriately. In the diagnostic positions test, normal eye movement should not include lid lag.

B) Nystagmus when reading the Snellen chart:
This is incorrect. Nystagmus is an involuntary, rhythmic oscillation of the eyes, which can be indicative of a neurological or vestibular issue. It is not a normal finding during the diagnostic positions test. Nystagmus may be seen with certain disorders, such as vestibular dysfunction, neurologic damage, or alcohol intoxication, but it should not occur as a normal response to eye movement during the diagnostic positions test.

C) Parallel movement of both eyes:
This is the correct answer. In a normal result of the diagnostic positions test, both eyes should move in parallel and remain aligned during all directions of gaze. The purpose of this test is to assess for any eye muscle weakness or cranial nerve dysfunction that might cause misalignment, such as strabismus or a disorder affecting the extraocular muscles. If both eyes track smoothly and simultaneously without deviation or lag, this is a normal and expected finding.

D) Convergence of the eyes:
This is incorrect. While convergence (the inward movement of both eyes toward the nose) is a normal response when focusing on a near object, it is not the specific goal of the diagnostic positions test. The diagnostic positions test is primarily concerned with assessing the ability of the eyes to move together in all directions of gaze without misalignment or abnormal movement. While convergence is a sign of normal eye function, it is not the primary focus of this particular test.

A. Obtain a threat culture for possible streptococcal (strep) infection B. Continue with the assessment, looking for any other abnormal findings C. Refer the client to their primary provider D. No response is needed, this appearance is normal for the tonsils

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A) Obtain a throat culture for possible streptococcal (strep) infection:
A throat culture for streptococcal infection is generally warranted when there are signs and symptoms of a bacterial infection, such as a sore throat, fever, exudate on the tonsils, or swollen lymph nodes. The description provided—involuted, granular tonsils with deep crypts—is a normal, age-related finding and not indicative of an infection. Therefore, obtaining a throat culture is unnecessary unless additional clinical signs of infection are present.

B) Continue with the assessment, looking for any other abnormal findings:
While it is always important to complete a thorough assessment and look for other abnormal findings, the specific characteristics described (involuted, granular tonsils with deep crypts) are normal, particularly in adults. This is a common finding and does not require further investigation unless accompanied by other symptoms such as pain, swelling, or visible pus, which would warrant a closer look.

C) Refer the client to their primary provider:
Referral to a primary provider is generally recommended if there are significant concerns about the tonsils, such as persistent swelling, pain, or signs of infection. However, the description provided does not suggest a pathological issue; these characteristics are typically considered normal in adults. Referral would only be necessary if additional concerning symptoms were present, such as fever, difficulty swallowing, or changes in voice.

D) No response is needed; this appearance is normal for the tonsils:
This is the correct response. Involuted (shrunken), granular tonsils with deep crypts are a normal, age-related finding, especially in adults. Over time, the tonsils tend to shrink and develop more pronounced crypts (pockets). This is part of the natural aging process and is not usually a sign of pathology. These tonsil changes are often seen in individuals who have had repeated infections or as part of the natural aging process.

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A nurse examines a client's auditory canal and tympanic membrane with an otoscope. The nurse should recognize that which of the following is considered an abnormal finding?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is performing the diagnostic positions test. The nurse recognizes that normal findings from the diagnostic positions test should be which of these results?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is assessing the tonsils of a client and notes that the tonsils are involuted, granular in appearance, and have deep crypts. The nurse should recognize that which of the following is the correct response to these findings?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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