The nurse examines a client's auditory canal and tympanic membrane with an otoscope. The nurse recognizes that which of the following is considered an abnormal finding?
A shiny, pearly white color tympanic membrane
The presence of cerumen
The presence of a cone of light
A yellow or amber color to the tympanic membrane.
The Correct Answer is D
A. A shiny, pearly white color tympanic membrane: This is a normal finding. A healthy tympanic membrane often appears shiny and pearly white.
B. The presence of cerumen: This is a normal finding. Cerumen, or earwax, is a natural substance that helps protect the ear canal.
C. The presence of a cone of light: This is a normal finding. The cone of light is a reflection of the otoscope light on the tympanic membrane and is a normal variation.
D. A yellow or amber color to the tympanic membrane: This is considered an abnormal finding. A yellow or amber coloration of the tympanic membrane can indicate the presence of fluid or infection behind the eardrum, which may be a sign of otitis media or other ear conditions.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. VI
Cranial Nerve VI is the Abducent Nerve, which controls the movement of the lateral rectus muscle, allowing the eye to move laterally (abduct). Dysfunction of this nerve can cause difficulty in moving the eye outward.
B. V
Cranial Nerve V is the Trigeminal Nerve. It has both sensory and motor functions. Sensory functions include providing sensation to the face, sinuses, and teeth. Motor functions include controlling the muscles used for chewing (mastication).
C. II
Cranial Nerve II is the Optic Nerve. It is purely a sensory nerve responsible for vision. The optic nerve carries visual information from the retina of the eye to the brain.
D. III
Cranial Nerve III is the Oculomotor Nerve. It is primarily a motor nerve but also has some autonomic functions. It controls most of the eye movements (except lateral movement controlled by VI) and regulates the size of the pupil and the shape of the lens in the eye for focusing.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Percussion of the posterior chest: Percussion helps assess the underlying structures of the chest but does not directly confirm symmetric chest expansion.
B. Inspection of the shape and configuration of the chest wall: Inspection is a crucial part of assessing chest symmetry. Any deformities, asymmetry, or abnormalities in the shape and configuration of the chest wall can be visually identified.
C. Placing the palmar surface of the fingers of one hand against the chest and having the client repeat "ninety-nine": This technique, known as tactile fremitus, involves feeling for vibrations or tremors while the client repeats a phrase. While it can provide information about underlying lung conditions, it's not primarily used to confirm symmetric chest expansion.
D. Placing hands sideways on the posterolateral chest wall with thumbs pointing together at the level of T9 or T10: This technique, known as chest expansion measurement, is used to assess symmetric chest expansion. Placing hands in this manner allows the nurse to feel for bilateral chest expansion during inspiration, ensuring that both sides of the chest expand symmetrically.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today