Which risk factor for traumatic brain injury (TBI) should a nurse include in a discussion about prevention for a group of adolescents?

Choice A Reason:
Tracheal sounds are harsh, high-pitched breath sounds typically heard over the trachea in the neck. They are not expected to be heard over the peripheral lung fields of a young adult during a routine lung auscultation.

Choice B Reason:
Vesicular breath sounds are the normal sounds heard over most of the lung fields. They are characterized by a soft, low-pitched, rustling sound during inhalation and are softer during exhalation. These sounds are created by air moving through the smaller airways such as the bronchioles and alveoli.

Choice C Reason:
Bronchovesicular sounds are heard over the major bronchi and are characterized by a moderate pitch and intensity. They are typically heard between the first and second intercostal spaces at the sternal border anteriorly and between the scapulae posteriorly, not over most of the lung fields.

Choice D Reason:
Bronchial breath sounds are high-pitched and louder than vesicular sounds, with a hollow quality, and are normally heard over the manubrium. If heard over the peripheral lung fields, they may indicate lung consolidation or other abnormalities.

Choice A reason:
A formal hearing test, or audiometry, is the most comprehensive method for assessing hearing loss, which can be a side effect of ototoxic medications. These tests can detect both conductive and sensorineural hearing loss, providing a detailed profile of hearing function across different frequencies. For clients receiving ototoxic antibiotics, regular monitoring through formal hearing tests is recommended to detect any early signs of hearing impairment and to implement timely interventions.
Choice B reason:
The rubbing fingers test is a rudimentary hearing screening method where the examiner rubs their fingers together near the patient's ear, asking them to indicate when they hear the sound. While this test can be used as a quick check for hearing loss, it is not as sensitive or specific as formal audiometry and may not detect early or mild hearing loss caused by ototoxic drugs.
Choice C reason:
Tuning fork tests, such as the Weber and Rinne tests, are used to differentiate between conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. These tests can be useful in a clinical setting to provide immediate information about the type of hearing loss; however, they are not as comprehensive as formal hearing tests and may not be sufficient for monitoring ototoxicity.
Choice D reason:
The whisper hearing test involves the examiner whispering words or numbers and asking the patient to repeat them. This test can be useful for detecting significant hearing loss but may not be sensitive enough to detect the early stages of ototoxicity. Moreover, the test's accuracy can be affected by the examiner's voice level and the testing environment.