Nursing practice questions with comprehensive rationales
NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
A client is diagnosed with a problem involving the inner ear. Which is the most common client complaint associated with a problem involving this part of the ear?
A. Hearing loss
reason: This is correct because hearing loss is the most common complaint associated with a problem involving the inner ear. The inner ear consists of the cochlea, which is the organ of hearing, and the vestibular system, which is the organ of balance. The inner ear converts sound waves into nerve impulses that are sent to the brain. Any damage or dysfunction of the inner ear can impair hearing and cause hearing loss.
B. Tinnitus
reason: This is incorrect because tinnitus is not the most common complaint associated with a problem involving the inner ear, but rather a symptom that can occur with various ear problems. Tinnitus is a ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound in the ears that is not caused by an external source. Tinnitus can be caused by exposure to loud noise, ear infections, earwax buildup, aging, or certain medications, but it is not specific to the inner ear.
C. Pruritus
reason: This is incorrect because pruritus is not a complaint associated with a problem involving the inner ear, but rather a complaint associated with a problem involving the outer ear. Pruritus is itching of the skin that can be caused by dryness, irritation, infection, or allergy. Pruritus can affect the outer ear, which is the visible part of the ear that collects and directs sound waves into the ear canal, but it has no relation to the inner ear.
D. Muffled sounds
reason: This is incorrect because muffled sounds are not a complaint associated with a problem involving the inner ear, but rather a complaint associated with a problem involving the middle ear. Muffled sounds are sounds that are unclear or distorted due to reduced sound transmission or perception. Muffled sounds can be caused by fluid buildup, inflammation, infection, or perforation of the eardrum in the middle ear, which is the air-filled space between the eardrum and the inner ear that contains three tiny bones that amplify sound vibrations.
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Full Explanation
Choice A reason: This is correct because hearing loss is the most common complaint associated with a problem involving the inner ear. The inner ear consists of the cochlea, which is the organ of hearing, and the vestibular system, which is the organ of balance. The inner ear converts sound waves into nerve impulses that are sent to the brain. Any damage or dysfunction of the inner ear can impair hearing and cause hearing loss.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect because tinnitus is not the most common complaint associated with a problem involving the inner ear, but rather a symptom that can occur with various ear problems. Tinnitus is a ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound in the ears that is not caused by an external source. Tinnitus can be caused by exposure to loud noise, ear infections, earwax buildup, aging, or certain medications, but it is not specific to the inner ear.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect because pruritus is not a complaint associated with a problem involving the inner ear, but rather a complaint associated with a problem involving the outer ear. Pruritus is itching of the skin that can be caused by dryness, irritation, infection, or allergy. Pruritus can affect the outer ear, which is the visible part of the ear that collects and directs sound waves into the ear canal, but it has no relation to the inner ear.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect because muffled sounds are not a complaint associated with a problem involving the inner ear, but rather a complaint associated with a problem involving the middle ear. Muffled sounds are sounds that are unclear or distorted due to reduced sound transmission or perception. Muffled sounds can be caused by fluid buildup, inflammation, infection, or perforation of the eardrum in the middle ear, which is the air-filled space between the eardrum and the inner ear that contains three tiny bones that amplify sound vibrations.
Similar Questions
A nurse is assessing a client who has meningitis. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
A. Inability to read
Reason: This choice is incorrect. Inability to read is not a finding that the nurse should expect in a client who has meningitis, but rather a possible finding in a client who has a stroke or a brain tumor. Meningitis does not affect the language or cognitive functions, but rather the meninges or the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord.
B. Bruising around the eyes
Reason: This choice is incorrect. Bruising around the eyes is not a finding that the nurse should expect in a client who has meningitis, but rather a possible finding in a client who has a basilar skull fracture or a head trauma. Meningitis does not cause bleeding or bruising, but rather inflammation and infection of the meninges.
C. A throbbing headache
Reason: This is the correct choice. A throbbing headache is a finding that the nurse should expect in a client who has meningitis, as it is one of the most common and characteristic symptoms. A throbbing headache is caused by increased intracranial pressure and irritation of the meninges due to inflammation and infection.
D. A heart rate of 50
Reason: This choice is incorrect. A heart rate of 50 is not a finding that the nurse should expect in a client who has meningitis, but rather a possible finding in a client who has bradycardia or a slow heart rate. Meningitis does not affect the heart rate, but rather the temperature and blood pressure. The nurse should expect to see fever and hypotension in a client who has meningitis.
Full Explanation
Choice A Reason: This choice is incorrect. Inability to read is not a finding that the nurse should expect in a client who has meningitis, but rather a possible finding in a client who has a stroke or a brain tumor. Meningitis does not affect the language or cognitive functions, but rather the meninges or the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord.
Choice B Reason: This choice is incorrect. Bruising around the eyes is not a finding that the nurse should expect in a client who has meningitis, but rather a possible finding in a client who has a basilar skull fracture or a head trauma. Meningitis does not cause bleeding or bruising, but rather inflammation and infection of the meninges.
Choice C Reason: This is the correct choice. A throbbing headache is a finding that the nurse should expect in a client who has meningitis, as it is one of the most common and characteristic symptoms. A throbbing headache is caused by increased intracranial pressure and irritation of the meninges due to inflammation and infection.
Choice D Reason: This choice is incorrect. A heart rate of 50 is not a finding that the nurse should expect in a client who has meningitis, but rather a possible finding in a client who has bradycardia or a slow heart rate. Meningitis does not affect the heart rate, but rather the temperature and blood pressure. The nurse should expect to see fever and hypotension in a client who has meningitis.
The caregiver of an elderly client asks the nurse what can be done about the chronic bilateral inflammation of the eyelid margins that keeps recurring. Which of the following is the information that the nurse will provide?
A. Instill eye drops in both eyes every hour around the clock
Reason: This choice is incorrect. Instilling eye drops in both eyes every hour around the clock is not an information that the nurse will provide, as it is not a recommended treatment for chronic bilateral inflammation of the eyelid margins. This condition is also known as blepharitis, which is a common and chronic disorder that causes redness, itching, burning, and crusting of the eyelids. Eye drops may be used to relieve symptoms, but not every hour or without a prescription.
B. Use sterile gloves when assisting with activities of daily living
Reason: This choice is incorrect. Using sterile gloves when assisting with activities of daily living is not an information that the nurse will provide, as it is not a necessary precaution for chronic bilateral inflammation of the eyelid margins. Blepharitis is not contagious or infectious, but rather caused by an overgrowth of bacteria or mites on the eyelids, or by an underlying skin condition such as seborrheic dermatitis or rosacea.
C. Use baby shampoo on the eyelid margins
Reason: This is the correct choice. Using baby shampoo on the eyelid margins is an information that the nurse will provide, as it is a simple and effective way to clean and soothe the eyelids. Baby shampoo is gentle and non-irritating, and can help remove excess oil, debris, and scales from the eyelids. The nurse will instruct the caregiver to dilute a few drops of baby shampoo with warm water, apply it to a cotton ball or washcloth, and gently rub it along the eyelid margins. The nurse will also advise to rinse well with water and pat dry with a clean towel.
D. Use a salt scrub inside the eyelid
Reason: This choice is incorrect. Using a salt scrub inside the eyelid is not an information that the nurse will provide, as it is a harmful and painful method that can damage and irritate the eye. Salt scrub is abrasive and drying, and can cause corneal abrasion, infection, or inflammation. The nurse will warn the caregiver to avoid using any harsh or unapproved products on or near the eye.
Full Explanation
Choice A Reason: This choice is incorrect. Instilling eye drops in both eyes every hour around the clock is not an information that the nurse will provide, as it is not a recommended treatment for chronic bilateral inflammation of the eyelid margins. This condition is also known as blepharitis, which is a common and chronic disorder that causes redness, itching, burning, and crusting of the eyelids. Eye drops may be used to relieve symptoms, but not every hour or without a prescription.
Choice B Reason: This choice is incorrect. Using sterile gloves when assisting with activities of daily living is not an information that the nurse will provide, as it is not a necessary precaution for chronic bilateral inflammation of the eyelid margins. Blepharitis is not contagious or infectious, but rather caused by an overgrowth of bacteria or mites on the eyelids, or by an underlying skin condition such as seborrheic dermatitis or rosacea.
Choice C Reason: This is the correct choice. Using baby shampoo on the eyelid margins is an information that the nurse will provide, as it is a simple and effective way to clean and soothe the eyelids. Baby shampoo is gentle and non-irritating, and can help remove excess oil, debris, and scales from the eyelids. The nurse will instruct the caregiver to dilute a few drops of baby shampoo with warm water, apply it to a cotton ball or washcloth, and gently rub it along the eyelid margins. The nurse will also advise to rinse well with water and pat dry with a clean towel.
Choice D Reason: This choice is incorrect. Using a salt scrub inside the eyelid is not an information that the nurse will provide, as it is a harmful and painful method that can damage and irritate the eye. Salt scrub is abrasive and drying, and can cause corneal abrasion, infection, or inflammation. The nurse will warn the caregiver to avoid using any harsh or unapproved products on or near the eye.
A client admitted after a motor vehicle accident arrives with a Glasgow coma score (GCS) of 14 with a mild headache. 4 hours later, the client's GCS has decreased to 10, and now has a dilated pupil on the left side. Which of the following acute traumatic brain injuries does the nurse suspect the client has suffered?
A. Laceration
reason: This is incorrect because laceration is not an acute traumatic brain injury, but a type of wound that involves tearing or cutting of the skin or other tissues. Laceration can occur as a result of a motor vehicle accident, but it does not cause changes in the GCS or pupil size. The nurse should assess the client's skin for any signs of laceration, such as bleeding, swelling, or infection.
B. Acute subdural hematoma
reason: This is incorrect because acute subdural hematoma is not likely to cause a dilated pupil on the left side. Acute subdural hematoma is a type of traumatic brain injury that involves bleeding between the dura mater and the arachnoid mater, which are two layers of the meninges that cover the brain. An acute subdural hematoma can cause a rapid decrease in the GCS, but it usually causes a dilated pupil on the same side as the injury, not on the opposite side.
C. Intracerebral hemorrhage
reason: This is incorrect because intracerebral hemorrhage is not likely to cause a dilated pupil on the left side. Intracerebral hemorrhage is a type of traumatic brain injury that involves bleeding within the brain tissue itself. Intracerebral hemorrhage can cause a gradual decrease in the GCS, but it usually causes neurological deficits that correspond to the location of the bleeding, such as weakness, numbness, or aphasia, not pupillary changes.
D. Epidural hematoma
reason: This is correct because epidural hematoma can cause a dilated pupil on the left side. Epidural hematoma is a type of traumatic brain injury that involves bleeding between the dura mater and the skull. Epidural hematoma can cause a lucid interval, which is a period of normal consciousness followed by a sudden decrease in the GCS, and a dilated pupil on the opposite side of the injury, due to compression of the third cranial nerve. The nurse should notify the provider immediately and prepare for emergency surgery.
Full Explanation
Choice A reason: This is incorrect because laceration is not an acute traumatic brain injury, but a type of wound that involves tearing or cutting of the skin or other tissues. Laceration can occur as a result of a motor vehicle accident, but it does not cause changes in the GCS or pupil size. The nurse should assess the client's skin for any signs of laceration, such as bleeding, swelling, or infection.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect because acute subdural hematoma is not likely to cause a dilated pupil on the left side. Acute subdural hematoma is a type of traumatic brain injury that involves bleeding between the dura mater and the arachnoid mater, which are two layers of the meninges that cover the brain. An acute subdural hematoma can cause a rapid decrease in the GCS, but it usually causes a dilated pupil on the same side as the injury, not on the opposite side.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect because intracerebral hemorrhage is not likely to cause a dilated pupil on the left side. Intracerebral hemorrhage is a type of traumatic brain injury that involves bleeding within the brain tissue itself. Intracerebral hemorrhage can cause a gradual decrease in the GCS, but it usually causes neurological deficits that correspond to the location of the bleeding, such as weakness, numbness, or aphasia, not pupillary changes.
Choice D reason: This is correct because epidural hematoma can cause a dilated pupil on the left side. Epidural hematoma is a type of traumatic brain injury that involves bleeding between the dura mater and the skull. Epidural hematoma can cause a lucid interval, which is a period of normal consciousness followed by a sudden decrease in the GCS, and a dilated pupil on the opposite side of the injury, due to compression of the third cranial nerve. The nurse should notify the provider immediately and prepare for emergency surgery.