Which technique can the nurse use to facilitate assessment of the thyroid gland?

A. Cerumen does not transmit sound; it is a protective substance that traps dust, debris, and microorganisms, helping to keep the ear canal clean.
B. The presence of cerumen is not necessarily indicative of poor hygiene. It is a normal bodily secretion that serves an important protective function.
C. Cerumen (earwax) serves to protect the ear canal from infection and irritation and lubricates the ear canal, helping to prevent dryness.
D. Wet, honey-colored cerumen is typically normal and not a sign of infection. If cerumen is associated with infection, it may appear yellowish, thick, or accompanied by other symptoms like pain or discharge.

A. A quiet, private environment is crucial for effective teaching, especially for something like wound care that requires patient focus and clear understanding. Minimizing distractions ensures the patient can concentrate on the instructions.
B. While written materials are helpful, they should not be the only method of teaching, especially for a hands-on skill like wound care. Personal, verbal instruction is necessary for proper technique.
C. Asking the roommate to be considerate may help reduce distractions, but it does not address the core issue of needing a quiet, focused environment for teaching.
D. While the home-health nurse can provide additional teaching, it is essential for the nurse to teach the patient immediately, while they are still in the hospital setting, for optimal understanding and retention of wound care procedures.