A nurse is testing a client's visual accommodation. Which of the following should the nurse recognize as an assessment finding from visual accommodation?
The pupils constrict when the examiner's index finger slowly moves toward the client's nose
The client's peripheral vision becomes sharper the examiner shines a light over the pupils
The pupils dilate when the examiner's finger slowly moves toward the client's nose
The client involuntary blinks in the of bright light directed the pupils during the eye exam
The Correct Answer is A
A) The pupils constrict when the examiner's index finger slowly moves toward the client's nose: This is the correct description of the process of visual accommodation. Visual accommodation refers to the ability of the eyes to focus on a near object. When the examiner's finger is moved toward the client's nose, the pupils should constrict to focus the light on the retina. This response is an indicator that the client’s eyes are properly adjusting to focus on a close object.
B) The client's peripheral vision becomes sharper when the examiner shines a light over the pupils: This is not correct, as shining a light over the pupils is related to assessing the pupillary light reflex, not visual accommodation. Visual accommodation focuses on the ability to focus on a near object, while peripheral vision is related to the ability to see objects outside of the central vision, and is not influenced by the light shining directly into the pupil.
C) The pupils dilate when the examiner's finger slowly moves toward the client's nose: This is incorrect. When assessing visual accommodation, the pupils should constrict (become smaller) as the object moves closer to the face, not dilate. Dilation of the pupils would suggest a lack of accommodation and could indicate a neurological or eye condition.
D) The client involuntarily blinks in the presence of bright light directed at the pupils during the eye exam: This describes the corneal reflex, which is a response to bright light or a foreign object approaching the eye, rather than a test of visual accommodation. This reflex is mediated by the trigeminal nerve and is unrelated to the accommodation response, which focuses on the pupil's reaction to near objects.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Palpate the chest symmetrically:
Palpating the chest symmetrically is crucial when assessing tactile fremitus, as it allows the nurse to compare the intensity of vibrations felt on both sides of the chest. Tactile fremitus refers to the palpable vibrations transmitted through the bronchopulmonary system when a person speaks or breathes. Symmetrical palpation ensures that the nurse can detect any differences in fremitus, which may indicate abnormalities such as lung consolidation (e.g., pneumonia), pleural effusion, or pneumothorax. Uneven fremitus can suggest a pathological condition, and symmetrical palpation helps identify these variations.
B) Ask the client to cough:
Asking the client to cough is not directly related to the assessment of tactile fremitus. Coughing may be used in other aspects of the respiratory assessment (e.g., to clear secretions or to assess for a productive cough), but it is not necessary for palpating fremitus. Tactile fremitus is assessed while the client is speaking (e.g., repeating the phrase "ninety-nine") or breathing, not coughing.
C) Use the bell of the stethoscope:
The bell of the stethoscope is used for auscultating low-pitched sounds, such as heart murmurs or some lung sounds (e.g., certain adventitious sounds like crackles or wheezes). However, it is not used for palpating tactile fremitus, which is a physical exam technique that involves using the hands to feel for vibrations. Fremitus is a tactile (not auscultatory) finding, so the stethoscope, whether bell or diaphragm, is not relevant in this assessment.
D) Instruct the client to breathe deeply:
While it is important for the client to breathe deeply during a lung exam, deep breathing is not directly required for assessing tactile fremitus. Tactile fremitus is typically assessed while the client is speaking. When the client repeats a phrase like "ninety-nine," vibrations are transmitted through the chest wall, and the nurse can assess the intensity of the vibrations. Deep breathing would be more relevant for assessing breath sounds or the general respiratory effort.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Tactile fremitus:
Tactile fremitus refers to the vibrations felt on the chest wall when a patient speaks. It is assessed by placing the hands on the chest while the patient says "ninety-nine" or a similar phrase. Tactile fremitus is used to detect changes in lung density, such as consolidation or fluid. It does not describe a crackling sensation on the skin surface. A coarse, crackling sensation is more indicative of a different condition.
B) Adventitious sounds:
Adventitious sounds are abnormal lung sounds, such as crackles, wheezes, or rhonchi, heard during auscultation. These sounds are typically related to lung conditions, such as pneumonia, asthma, or fluid accumulation in the lungs. While adventitious sounds are significant findings during auscultation, they do not describe the physical sensation of crackling felt on the skin surface. Therefore, adventitious sounds are not the correct diagnosis for a tactile sensation over the chest.
C) Friction rub:
A friction rub is a harsh, grating sound heard during auscultation and is caused by inflammation of the pleura (the lining around the lungs). It occurs when the inflamed pleural surfaces rub together during breathing. While it is a distinct sound, a friction rub is not a tactile or palpable sensation. The crackling sensation described in the question is not related to the sounds produced by a pleural friction rub.
D) Crepitus:
Crepitus is the correct answer. It refers to a coarse, crackling sensation felt on the skin surface when air or gas is trapped under the skin, often due to conditions such as subcutaneous emphysema. This can occur when there is air leaking from the lungs or other parts of the respiratory system, often following trauma (e.g., rib fractures or surgery) or infection (e.g., gas gangrene). The crackling sensation felt during palpation of the chest wall is characteristic of crepitus, making this the most appropriate finding in this scenario.
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