What is the priority assessment in the health history of the ears?

New discharge from the auditory canal

Noise exposure while at work

Use of cotton swabs to clean ears

Piercings of the lobe and helix

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A. New ear discharge (otorrhea) is a key indicator of possible infection, trauma, or other pathology of the ear. Identifying discharge helps the nurse detect acute conditions such as otitis externa, otitis media with perforation, or foreign body presence. Because it may signify an active disease process requiring prompt intervention, this is the priority assessment in the ear health history.

B. Exposure to loud noise is an important risk factor for hearing loss and tinnitus over time. While relevant for preventive education and long-term hearing conservation, it is not an urgent or acute finding and therefore is lower priority than new discharge.

C. Cotton swab use can contribute to cerumen impaction or canal trauma. This is relevant to ear health promotion but does not indicate an active pathology. It is important but not the priority concern during assessment.

D. Piercings can lead to local infection or keloid formation, but they are generally cosmetic and chronic in nature. They are not indicative of acute disease or urgent health problems and are therefore lower priority than new discharge.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Dull, throbbing facial pain is most commonly associated with sinusitis, which involves inflammation and pressure within the sinus cavities. While rhinorrhea can accompany sinusitis, pain is not the defining feature of rhinorrhea. The primary symptom of rhinorrhea is nasal discharge, not facial pressure or pain.

B. Difficulty swallowing refers to dysphagia, which involves problems with the throat or esophagus. Although allergies can cause postnasal drip that may irritate the throat, rhinorrhea specifically refers to nasal drainage. This statement focuses on swallowing difficulty rather than nasal discharge.

C. Clear, watery nasal drainage is the classic presentation of rhinorrhea. This description directly matches the definition of the condition. Clients with rhinorrhea often report frequent nose blowing due to continuous drainage.

D. Nosebleeds are known as epistaxis, which involves bleeding from the nasal mucosa. While both rhinorrhea and epistaxis involve the nose, they are distinct conditions with different causes and management.

A. Fully inspect the skin, including under skin folds and under breasts B. Ask the client to describe the rash to determine the spread of the condition C. Focus the skin assessment on areas where the client reports itching D. Inspect mainly exposed areas of the skin for signs of irritation

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Fully inspecting the skin, including under skin folds and under breasts, is correct because a complete skin assessment requires examination of all areas, not just those visible or reported as symptomatic. Dermatitis and other skin conditions often occur in moist or hidden areas such as skin folds, under the breasts, between toes, or in the groin, where friction and moisture can exacerbate irritation or infection. Comprehensive inspection ensures no affected areas are missed and allows for accurate documentation and treatment planning.

B. Asking the client to describe the rash to determine the spread of the condition is important for subjective history, but it cannot replace visual and tactile assessment. Clients may underestimate or misinterpret the extent of the rash.

C. Focusing the skin assessment on areas where the client reports itching limits the examination and risks missing lesions in other areas, especially those that may not yet be symptomatic.

D. Inspecting mainly exposed areas of the skin for signs of irritation is insufficient because dermatitis often affects covered or hidden areas. Limiting the assessment to exposed skin provides an incomplete evaluation.

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What is the priority assessment in the health history of the ears?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client with rhinorrhea. Which client statement is most consistent with this diagnosis?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The nurse is caring for a client who presents with dermatitis. When performing a complete skin assessment, which action should the nurse Implement?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

What is the priority assessment in the health history of the ears?

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