How well do you know the normal anatomy and physiology of the ear and the

diseases or disorders that can afflict it? Evaluate your competence with this
19-item NCLEX style quiz covering ear disorders.
Striving for success without hard work is like trying to harvest where you havent
planted.
~ David Bly

Topics
Included topics in this practice quiz are:

Ear Assessment
Ear Disorders
Diagnostic Procedures Involving the Ear

Guidelines
Follow the guidelines below to make the most out of this exam:

Read each question carefully and choose the best answer.

You are given one minute per question. Spend your time wisely!
Answers and rationales are given below. Be sure to read them.
If you need more clarifications, please direct them to the comments
section.

1. The nurse is performing a voice test to assess hearing.

Which of the following describes the accurate procedure for
performing this test?

1. Stand 4 feet away from the client to ensure that the client can hear
at this distance.
2. Whisper a statement and ask the client to repeat it.
3. Whisper a statement with the examiners back facing the client
4. Whisper a statement while the client blocks both ears.

2. During a hearing assessment, the nurse notes that the

sound lateralizes to the clients left ear with the Weber test.
The nurse analyzes this result as:

1. A normal finding
2. A conductive hearing loss in the right ear
3. A sensorineural or conductive loss
4. The presence of nystagmus

3. The nurse is caring for a client that is hearing impaired.

Which of the following approaches will facilitate
communication?

1. Speak frequently
2. Speak loudly

3. Speak directly into the impaired ear

4. Speak in a normal tone

4. The nurse has conducted discharge teaching for a client who

had a fenestration procedure for the treatment of otosclerosis.
Which of the following, if stated by the client, would indicate
that teaching was effective?

1. I should drink liquids through a straw for the next 2-3 weeks.
2. Its ok to take a shower and wash my hair.
3. I will take stool softeners as prescribed by my doctor.
4. I can resume my tennis lessons starting next week.

5. A client arrives at the emergency room with a foreign body

in the left ear that has been determined to be an insect. Which
intervention would the nurse anticipate to be prescribed
initially?

1. Irrigation of the ear

2. Instillation of diluted alcohol
3. Instillation of antibiotic ear drops
4. Instillation of corticosteroids ear drops

6. The nurse has notes that the physician has a diagnosis of

presbycusis on the clients chart. The nurse plans care
knowing the condition is:

1. A sensorineural hearing loss that occurs with aging

2. A conductive hearing loss that occurs with aging.
3. Tinnitus that occurs with aging
4. Nystagmus that occurs with aging

7. A client with Menieres disease is experiencing severe

vertigo. Which instruction would the nurse give to the client to
assist in controlling the vertigo?

1. Increase fluid intake to 3000 ml a day

2. Avoid sudden head movements
3. Lie still and watch the television
4. Increase sodium in the diet

8. The nurse is reviewing the physicians orders for a client

with Menieres disease. Which diet will most likely be
prescribed?

1. Low-cholesterol diet
2. Low-sodium diet
3. Low-carbohydrate diet
4. Low-fat diet

9. A client is diagnosed with a disorder involving the inner ear.

Which of the following is the most common client complaint
associated with a disorder in this part of the ear?

1. Hearing loss
2. Pruritus
3. Tinnitus
4. Burning of the ear

10. A nurse would question an order to irrigate the ear canal in

which of the following circumstances?

1. Ear pain
2. Hearing loss
3. Otitis externa
4. Perforated tympanic membrane

11. Which of the following interventions is essential when

instilling Cortisporin suspension, 2 gtt right ear?

1. Verifying the proper client and route

2. Warming the solution to prevent dizziness
3. Holding an emesis basin under the clients ear
4. Positioning the client in the semi-fowlers position

12. When teaching the client about Menieres disease, which of

the following instructions would a nurse give about vertigo?

1. Report dizziness at once

2. Drive in daylight hours only
3. Get up slowly, turning the entire body
4. Change your position using the logroll method

13. The part of the ear that contains the receptors for hearing
is the:

1. Utricle
2. Cochlea
3. Middle ear
4. Tympanic cavity

14. The ear bones that transmit vibrations to the oval window
of the cochlea are found in the:

1. Inner ear
2. Outer ear
3. Middle ear
4. Eustachian tube

15. Nerve deafness would most likely result from an injury or

infection that damaged the:

1. Vagus nerve
2. Cochlear nerve
3. Vestibular nerve
4. Trigeminal nerve

16. A labyrinthectomy can be performed to treat Menieres

syndrome. This procedure results in:

1. Anosmia
2. Absence of pain
3. Reduction in cerumen
4. Permanent irreversible deafness

17. Otosclerosis is a common cause of conductive hearing loss.

Which such a partial hearing loss:

1. Stapedectomy is the procedure of choice

2. Hearing aids usually restore some hearing
3. The client is usually unable to hear bass tones
4. Air conduction is more effective than bone conduction

18. A client who is complaining of tinnitus is describing a

symptom that is:

1. Objective
2. Subjective
3. Functional
4. Prodromal

19. Physiologically, the middle ear, containing the three

ossicles, serves primarily to:

1. Maintain balance
2. Translate sound waves into nerve impulses
3. Amplify the energy of sound waves entering the ear
4. Communicate with the throat via the Eustachian tube.

Answers and Rationale

1. Answer: 2. Whisper a statement and ask the client to repeat

it.

The examiner stands 1-2 feet away from the client and asks the client
to block one external ear canal. The nurse whispers a statement and
asks the client to repeat it. Each ear is tested separately.

2. Answer: 3. A sensorineural or conductive loss.

In the Weber tuning fork test the nurse places the vibrating tuning fork
in the middle of the clients head, at the midline of the forehead, or
above the upper lip over the teeth. Normally, the sound is heard in
equally in both ears by bone conduction. If the client has a
sensorineural hearing loss in one ear, the sound is heard in the other
ear. If the client has a conductive hearing loss in one ear, the sound is
heard in that ear.

3. Answer: 4. Speak in a normal tone.

Speaking in a normal tone to the client with impaired hearing and not
shouting are important. The nurse should talk directly to the client
while facing the client and speak clearly. If the client does not seem to
understand what is said, the nurse should express it differently. Moving
closer to the client and toward the better ear may facilitate
communication, but the nurse should avoid talking directly into the
impaired ear.

4. Answer: 3. I will take stool softeners as prescribed by my

doctor.

Following ear surgery, the client needs to avoid straining while having
a bowel movement. The client needs to be instructed to avoid drinking
through a straw for 2-3 weeks, air travel, and coughing excessively.
The client needs to avoid getting his or her hair wet, washing hair,
showering for 1 week, and rapidly moving the head, bouncing, and
bending over for 3 weeks.

5. Answer: 2. Instillation of diluted alcohol.

Insects are killed before removal unless they can be coaxed out by a
flashlight or a humming noise. Mineral oil or diluted alcohol is instilled
into the ear to suffocate the insect, which then is removed by using
forceps. When the foreign object is vegetable matter, irrigation is not
used because this material expands with hydration and the impaction
becomes worse.

6. Answer: 1. A sensorineural hearing loss that occurs with

aging.

Presbycusis is a type of hearing loss that occurs with aging.

Presbycusis is a gradual sensorineural loss caused by nerve
degeneration in the inner ear or auditory nerve.

7. Answer: 2. Avoid sudden head movements.

The nurse instructs the client to make slow head movements to

prevent worsening of the vertigo. Dietary changes such as salt and
fluid restrictions that reduce the amount of endolymphatic fluid
sometimes are prescribed. Lying still and watching television will not
control vertigo.

8. Answer: 2. Low-sodium diet.

Dietary changes such as salt and fluid restrictions that reduce the
amount of endolymphatic fluid sometimes are prescribed.

9. Answer: 3. Tinnitus.

Tinnitus is the most common complaint of clients with otological

disorders, especially disorders involving the inner ear. Symptoms of
tinnitus range from mild ringing in the ear, which can go unnoticed

during the day, to a loud roaring in the ear, which can interfere with
the clients thinking process and attention span.

10. Answer: 4. Perforated tympanic membrane.

Irrigation of the ear canal is contraindicated with perforation of the

tympanic membrane because the solution entering the inner ear may
cause dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and infection.

11. Answer: 1. Verifying the proper client and route.

When giving medications, a nurse follows the five Rs of medication

administration. The drops may be warmed to prevent pain or dizziness,
but this action is not essential. An emesis basin would be used for
irrigation of the ear. Put the client in the lateral position to prevent the
drops from draining out for 5 minutes, not semi-fowlers position.

12. Answer: 3. Get up slowly, turning the entire body.

Turning the entire body, not the head, will prevent vertigo. Dizziness is
expected but can be prevented. The client shouldnt drive as he may
reflexively turn the wheel to correct vertigo. Turning the client in bed
slowly and smoothly will be helpful; logrolling isnt needed.

13. Answer: 2. Cochlea.

The dendrites of the cochlear nerve terminate on the hair cells of the
organ of Corti in the cochlea.

14. Answer: 3. Middle ear.

The bones in the middle ear transmit and amplify air pressure waves
from the tympanic membrane to the oval window of the cochlea, which
is the inner ear. The tympanic membrane separates the other from the
middle ear.

15. Answer: 2. Cochlear nerve.

Because the organ of hearing is the organ of Corti, located in the

cochlea, nerve deafness would most likely accompany damage to the
cochlear nerve.

16. Answer: 4. Permanent irreversible deafness.

The labyrinth is the inner ear and consists of the vestibule, cochlea,
semicircular canals, utricle, saccule, cochlear duct, and membranous
semicircular canals. A labyrinthectomy is performed to alleviate the

symptoms of vertigo but results in deafness, because the organ of

Corti and cochlear nerve are located in the inner ear.

17. Answer: 2. Hearing aids usually restore some hearing.

With a partial hearing loss that auditory ossicles have not yet become
fixed; as long as vibrations occur, a hearing aid may be beneficial.

18. Answer: 2. Subjective.

A subjective symptom such as ringing in the ears can be felt only by

the client.

19. Answer: 3. Amplify the energy of sound waves entering the

ear.

The middle ear contains the three ossiclesmalleus, incus, and stapes
which, along with the tympanic membrane and oval window, form an
amplifying system.

This nursing exam covers topics about the Eye, Ear, Nose, Sinus, and Throat
Disorders. Test your knowledge with this 20-item exam. Get that perfect
score in your NCLEX or NLE exams with this questionnaire.

Topics

Eye, Ear, Nose, Sinus, and Throat Disorders

Guidelines

Read each question carefully and choose the best answer.

You are given one minute per question. Spend your time wisely!
Answers and rationales are given below. Be sure to read them.
If you need more clarifications, please direct them to the comments

section.
Questions and Answers
1. A temporary condition caused by the inhibition of normal bacteria and the overgrowth of fungus on the papillae of
A.
B.
C.
D.

the tongue. it is usually associated with the use of antibiotics.

Ankyloglossia
Aphthous Ulcers
Black Hairy Tongue
Gingival Hyperplasia

E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
J.
A.
B.
C.
D.
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
A.
B.
C.
D.

Gingivitis
Tonsillitis
Smooth Tongue
Herpes Simplex
Carcinoma
Leukoplakia
The
bony
and cartilaginous auditory tube that connects the middle ear with the nasopharynx. This helps to
2.
equalize the air pressure on both sides of the tympanic membrane
Tympanic membrane
Ossicles
Eustachian tube
Cochlea
A
bluish
tinge
to
the
tympanic membrane indicating the presence of blood in the middle ear. It is usually caused by
3.
head trauma.
Hemotympanum
Otitis Externa
Otitis Media
Perforation of the Tympanic Membrane
Scarred Tympanic Membrane
Tophi
4. A 2-years-old child is scheduled for removal of her tonsils and adenoids. On which areas of this client's throat will
the surgery be done?
Nasopharynx and oropharynx
Oropharynx and palate
Oropharynx and laryngopharynx
Nasopharynx and laryngopharynx
5. Pale, round, firm, onpainful overgrowth of nasal mucosa usually caused by chronic allergic rhinitis.

A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.

6.
A.
B.
C.
D.
A.
B.
C.
D.
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.

Epistaxis
Rhinitis
Sinusitis
Deviated Septum
Nasal Polyps
Perforated Septum
The transmission of sound through the bones of the skull to the cochlea and auditory nerve

Otitis externa
Mastoiditis
Air conduction (AC)
Bone conduction (BC)
7. Mucous-lined, air-filled cavities that surround the nasal cavity and perform the same air-processing functions of
filtration, moistening, and warming
Paranasal sinuses
Uvula
Palate
Presbycusis
8. A rupturing of the eardrum due to trauma or infection. during otoscopic inpection, the perforation may be seen as a
dark spot on the eardrum.
Hemotympanum
Otitis Externa
Otitis Media
Perforation of the Tympanic Membrane
Scarred Tympanic Membrane
Tophi

9. Infection of the outer ear, often called "swimmer's ear". otitis externa causes redness and swelling of the auricle
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
J.
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
J.

A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.

and ear canal. drainage is usually scanty. it may be accompanied by itching, fever, and enlarged lymph nodes.
Hemotympanum
Otitis Externa
Otitis Media
Perforation of the Tympanic Membrane
Scarred Tympanic Membrane
Tophi
Inflammation
of
the
gums.
it may be caused by poor dental hygiene or a deficiency of vitamic C. if left untreated,
10.
gingivitis may progress to periodontal disease and tooth loss.
Ankyloglossia
Aphthous Ulcers
Black Hairy Tongue
Gingival Hyperplasia
Gingivitis
Tonsillitis
Smooth Tongue
Herpes Simplex
Carcinoma
Leukoplakia
11. Inflammation of the tonsils. the throat is red and the tonsils are swollen and covered by white or yellow patches
or exudate. lymph nodes in the cervical chain may be enlarged. tonsillitis may be accompanied by a high fever.
Ankyloglossia
Aphthous Ulcers
Black Hairy Tongue
Gingival Hyperplasia
Gingivitis
Tonsillitis
Smooth Tongue
Herpes Simplex
Carcinoma
Leukoplakia
Inflammation
of the sinuses usuaaly following an upper respiratory infection. it causes facial pain, inflammation,
12.
and discharge. fever; chills; frontal headache; or a dull, pulsating pain in the cheeks or teeth may accompany
sinusitis.
Epistaxis
Rhinitis
Sinusitis
Deviated Septum
Nasal Polyps
Perforated Septum
Swimmer's ear, infection of the outer ear or ear canal
13.

A.
B.
C.
D.

14.
A.
B.
C.

Otitis externa
Mastoiditis
Air conduction (AC)
Bone conduction (BC)
A small flap of flesh at the inferior end of the auricle of the ear
Cerumen
Helix
Tragus

D.

15.
A.
B.
C.
D.
A.
B.
C.
D.

A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
J.
A.
B.
C.
D.

A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.

Lobule
Which of the following symptoms is the client diagnosed with dysphagia most likely to experience?

Gingivitis
A loss of sense of taste and smell
Difficulty in swallowing
A sore throat
When
performing
a focused interview with a pregnant client, the nurse asks the client whether she has a afeeling
16.
of fullnessa in her ears. What is the rationale for asking this question?
Fullness in the ears is often associated with hypertension and preeclampsia.
It indicates the presence of otitis media.
It is a normal symptom during pregnancy due to increased vascularity.
It is often associated with hearing loss.
17. Commonly called canker sores, aare small, round, white lesions occurring singularly or in clusters on the oral
mucosa. the lesions are acutely painful when they come in contact with the tongue, a toothbrush, or food. they
come in contact with the tongue, a toothbrish, or food. they commonly result from oral trauma, such as jabbing
the side of the mouth with a toothbrush, but they are also associated with stress, exhaustion, and allergies to
certain foods.
Ankyloglossia
Aphthous Ulcers
Black Hairy Tongue
Gingival Hyperplasia
Gingivitis
Tonsillitis
Smooth Tongue
Herpes Simplex
Carcinoma
Leukoplakia
The external portion of the ear
18.
Auricle or pinna
Helix
Tragus
Lobule
19. Infection of the middle ear producing a red, bulging eardrum; fever; and hearing loss. the otoscopic examination
reveals absent light reflex. otitis media is more common in children, whose auditory tubes are wider, shorter,
and more horizontal than those of adults, thus allowing easier access for infections ascending from the pharynx.
Hemotympanum
Otitis Externa
Otitis Media
Perforation of the Tympanic Membrane
Scarred Tympanic Membrane
Tophi
The external large rim of the auricle of the ear
20.
Cerumen

A.
B.
C.
D.

21.

Helix
Tragus
Lobule
The nurse is assessing the sinuses of a client. Which of the following is considered a normal finding?

A. No tenderness to palpation or percussion of the sinuses.

B.
Mild swelling over the frontal sinuses.
C. With transillumination of the maxillary sinuses, there is no red glow present under the eyes.
D. Pink, moist mucous membranes with no lesions.
22. A condition occurring as a result of vitamin B and iron deficiency. the surface of the tongue is smooth and red

A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
J.
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
A.
B.
C.
D.
A.
B.
C.
D.

A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
J.
A.
B.
C.
D.
A.
B.

with a shiny appearance.

Ankyloglossia
Aphthous Ulcers
Black Hairy Tongue
Gingival Hyperplasia
Gingivitis
Tonsillitis
Smooth Tongue
Herpes Simplex
Carcinoma
Leukoplakia
23. When inspecting the mouth and throat of a client, the nurse considers which of the following to be normal
findings? Select all that apply.
Symmetrical rise of the soft palate and uvula when the client says, "aah."
The tonsils are red with white exudates present.
Salivary ducts are moist without redness or swelling.
The dorsal surface of the tongue is moist with papillae.
Smooth, pink nodules on the lateral sides of the tongue.
24. During an otoscopic assessment, the nurse notes the presence of large amounts of cerumen in the client's
external canal. The nurse knows:
Cerumen helps to lubricate and protect the ear.
Cerumen is needed to assist in the conduction of sound vibrations to the middle ear.
This indicates poor hygiene.
The client should clean his ears with cotton swabs.
25. Also called the eardrum, this membrane separates the external ear and middle ear
Tympanic membrane
Ossicles
Eustachian tube
Cochlea
A
virus
that
is
often
accompanied by clear vesicles commonly called cold sore or fever blisters, usually at the
26.
junction of the skin and the lip. the vesicles erupt and then crust and heal within 2 weeks. they usually recur,
especially after heavy exposure to bright sunlight (e.g., after a day at the beach).
Ankyloglossia
Aphthous Ulcers
Black Hairy Tongue
Gingival Hyperplasia
Gingivitis
Tonsillitis
Smooth Tongue
Herpes Simplex
Carcinoma
Leukoplakia
A
client
tells the nurse, aI have a headache and pressure right above my nose and eyes. My nose is stuffy too.a
27.
The nurse knows that these symptoms might indicate:
Infection or inflammation of the frontal sinuses
Infection or inflammation of the maxillary sinuses
Infection or inflammation of the columella
Infection or irritation of the interior turbinate
28. An enlargement of the gums frequently seen in pregnancy, in leukemia, or after prolonged use of phenytoin
(dilantin).
Aphthous Ulcers
Black Hairy Tongue

C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
J.

29.
A.
B.
C.
D.

30.
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
A.
B.
C.
D.
A.
B.
C.
D.
A.
B.
C.
D.
A.
B.
C.
D.

Gingival Hyperplasia
Gingivitis
Tonsillitis
Smooth Tongue
Herpes Simplex
Carcinoma
Leukoplakia
Ankyloglossia
Bones of the middle ear: the malleus, the incus, and the stapes
Tympanic membrane
Ossicles
Eustachian tube
Cochlea
Small white nodules on the helix or antihelix. these nodules contain uric acis crystals and are a sign of gout.

Hemotympanum
Otitis Externa
Otitis Media
Perforation of the Tympanic Membrane
Scarred Tympanic Membrane
Tophi
31. A slight ingrowth of the lower nasal septum. when viewed with a nasal speculum, one nasal cavity appears to
have an outgrowth or shelf.
Epistaxis
Rhinitis
Sinusitis
Deviated Septum
Nasal Polyps
Perforated Septum
32. Vesucykar that occurs on the lip or corner of the mouth. Caused by a herpes simplex virus
Nasal polyps
Cold sores
Fever blisters
Presbycusis
While
the
examiner is inspecting the throat of a client with a tongue blade, the client begins to gag. What does
33.
this response indicate to the examiner?
The client has a functioning response.
The client is nauseated.
The client has nerve damage to the tongue.
The client has a malfunctioning response.
34. The nurse notes dense, white patches on a client's tympanic membrane. What does this finding suggest?
An infection of the middle ear
Increased pressure in the middle ear
A blocked eustachian tube
Scars from prior infections
35. A client reports a family history of ear problems and hearing loss and is concerned about agoing deaf.a The most
appropriate response by the nurse is:
"Don't worry,hearing loss is not hereditary. "
" You will likely have hearing problems. "
" What medications are you currently taking? "
" Hearing loss can be hereditary. Have you noticed any changes in your hearing? "
36. Smooth, pale, benign growths found along the turbinates of the nose

A.
B.
C.
D.

37.

Nasal polyps
Cold sores
Fever blisters
Presbycusis
A condition in which the eardrum has white patches of scar tissue due to repeated ear infections.

A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.

Hemotympanum
Otitis Externa
Otitis Media
Perforation of the Tympanic Membrane
Scarred Tympanic Membrane
Tophi
38. The transmission of sound through the tympanic membrane to the cochlea and auditory nerve

A.
B.
C.
D.

Otitis externa
Mastoiditis
Air conduction (AC)
Bone conduction (BC)
The nurse is preparing to use the otoscope to visualize the auditory canal and tympanic membrane of an adult
39. client. Which of the following is most appropriate?
Insert the otoscope into the inner two-thirds of the ear canal.
Pull the pinna up and back.
Ask the client to tilt the head toward the side to be examined.
Tell the client that the procedure will be slightly painful.
40. Inflammation of the mastoid that may occur secondary to a middle ear or a throat infection

A.
B.
C.
D.
A.
B.
C.
D.

41.
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
J.

42.
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
J.

Otitis externa
Mastoiditis
Air conduction (AC)
Bone conduction (BC)
A whitish thicening of the mucous membrane in the mouth or tongue. it cannot be scraped off. most often
associated with heavy smoking or drinking, it can be a precancerous condition.
Ankyloglossia
Aphthous Ulcers
Black Hairy Tongue
Gingival Hyperplasia
Gingivitis
Tonsillitis
Smooth Tongue
Herpes Simplex
Carcinoma
Leukoplakia
A fixation of the tip of the tongue to the floor of the mouth due to a shortened lingual frenulum. the condition is
usually congenital and may be corrected surgically.
Ankyloglossia
Aphthous Ulcers
Black Hairy Tongue
Gingival Hyperplasia
Gingivitis
Tonsillitis
Smooth Tongue
Herpes Simplex
Carcinoma
Leukoplakia

43. During the focused interview, the nurse asks the client whether she uses cotton-tipped applicators to clean her

ears. What is the rationale for asking this question?

A. Use of cotton-tipped applicators is a good way to clean the external auditory canal.
B. Cotton-tipped applicators should be avoided since they can cause cerumen to become impacted.
C. Using commercial cerumen removal products is recommended instead of cotton-tipped applicators,
D. Long-term use of cotton-tipped applicators places the client at risk of developing a middle ear infection.
44. The nurse notes that a client has a smooth, red, shiny tongue with no lesions. Which of the following is the most
appropriate in this situation?
A. Ask whether the client has a history of halitosis.
B.
Ask the client to describe his diet.
C. Look in the client record for a history of leukoplakia.
D. Continue with assessment as this is a normal finding for the tongue.
45. High-frequency hearing loss that occurs over time. Often associated with aging
A.
Paranasal sinuses
B.
Uvula
C.
Palate
D.
Presbycusis
A
nasal
inflamation
usually due to a viral infection or allergy. it is accompanied by a watery and often copious
46.
discharge, sneezing, and congestion (stuffy nose). acute is caused by a virus, whereas allergic results from
contact with allergens such as pollen and dust.
A.
Epistaxis
B.
Rhinitis
C.
Sinusitis
D.
Deviated Septum
E.
Nasal Polyps
F.
Perforated Septum
47. The nurse is preparing to perform an assessment of the nasal cavity using a nasal speculum. The nurse
considers which of the following to be normal findings?
A.
Superior turbinate free of lesions
B.
Deviation of the septum
C.
Dark pink mucosa without discharge
D. The presence of epistaxis on anterior septum
48. A hole in the septum caused by chronic infection, trauma, or sniffing cocaine. it can be detected by shining a
penlight through the naris on the other side.
A.
Epistaxis
B.
Rhinitis
C.
Sinusitis
D.
Deviated Septum
E.
Nasal Polyps
F.
Perforated Septum
49. When performing an ear assessment, the nurse notes tenderness of the pinna and tragus to movement and the
presence of drainage in the external canal. The nurse suspects which of the following?
A.
Otitis media
B.
Otitis externa
C.
An inner ear infection
D.
A negative Romberg's sign
50. During the Weber test, the sound lateralizes to the client's right ear. This finding suggests:
A.
A normal finding for the Weber test.
B.
The test should be repeated.
C.
The client has nerve damage.
D.
The client has a potential hearing loss.
51. A fleshy pendulum that hangs from the edge of the soft palate in the back of the mouth. The uvula moves with
swallowing, breathing, and phonation

Paranasal sinuses

A.
B.
C.
D.

Uvula
Palate
Presbycusis

52. The mother of a young child tells the nurse that her her child has speech problems and was diagnosed with

ankyloglossia. She states that she doesn't understand what this condition is. What can the nurse explain to the
mother about this condition?
A. "Your child's tongue is slightly larger than normal and may be causing his speech problems."
B. "The aphthous ulcers your child has are related to this condition."
C. "Your child's nose bleed is caused by a perforated septum."
D "The piece of tissue from the tip of the tongue to the floor of the mouth is shortened and is likely causing your
. child's speech difficulties."
53. A small projection on the external ear that is positioned in front of the external audiotory canal
A.
Cerumen
B.
Helix
C.
D.

54.

Paranasal sinuses

A.
B.
C.
D.

Uvula
Palate

55.
A.
B.
C.
D.

56.
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.

57.
A.
B.
C.
D.
A.
B.
C.
D.

A.
B.

Tragus
Lobule
The anterior portion of the roof of the mouth formed by bones

Presbycusis
A spiraling chamber in the inner ear that contains the receptors for hearing
Tympanic membrane
Ossicles
Eustachian tube
Cochlea
A nosebleed. this may follow trauma, such as a blow to the nose, or it may accompany another alteration in
health, such as rhinitis, hypertension, or a blood coagulation disorder.
Epistaxis
Rhinitis
Sinusitis
Deviated Septum
Nasal Polyps
Perforated Septum
Lesions or blisters on the lips may be caused by the herpes simplex virus

Nasal polyps
Cold sores
Fever blisters
Presbycusis
A
60-year-old
client tells the nurse that he has noticed a decrease in his hearing. The nurse knows that the age58.
related changes of the ear that likely are contributing to the decrease in his hearing are the result of:
Increased cerumen in the external canal
The loss of low-frequency sounds; high-frequency sounds remain intact
Presbycusis
A thin tympanic membrane
59. Oral cancers are most commonly found on the lower lip or the base(underside) of the tongue. cancer is
suspected if a sore or lesion does not heal within a few weeks. heavy smoking, especially pipe smoking, and
chewing tobacco increase the risk of oral cancer, as does chronic heavy use of alcohol.
Ankyloglossia
Aphthous Ulcers

C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
J.

Black Hairy Tongue

Gingival Hyperplasia
Gingivitis
Tonsillitis
Smooth Tongue
Herpes Simplex
Carcinoma
Leukoplakia

Questions and Answers

1. Which of the following terms describes, smooth, pale gray, avascular, mobile, nontender, benign growths?

A.
B.
C.

2.

Stensen' s ducts
Fordyce's granules
Polyps
By asking a person to stick out their tongue, the examiner is testing which of the following cranial nerves?
X

A.
B.
C.

XII
XI

3. Which of the following conditions is describes as rhinorrhea, itching of nose and eyes, lacrimation, nasal
A.
B.
C.

4.
A.
B.
C.

5.
A.
B.
C.

6.
A.
B.
C.

7.
A.
B.
C.

8.
A.
B.
C.

9.
A.
B.
C.

congestion, and sneezing. Turbinates appear pale or violet in color, and their surface is smooth and glistening.
Sinusitis
Acute rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis
Which of the following is a small boil located in the skin or mucous membrane of the nose that appears red and
swollen and is quite painful?
Polyp
Furuncle
Lesion
Which of the following conditions begins with the first sign as a clear, watery discharge, rhinorrhea, which
later becomes purulent, and is accompanied by sneezing and swollen mucosa. Turbinates will appear bright red
and swollen.
Sinusitis
Acute rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis
Which of the following grades would be given to tonsils that are halfway between the tonsillar pillars and uvula?
1+
2+
3+
The rising of the uvula in a patient saying "ahhhh" is an indicator of the functioning of which of the following cranial
nerves?
CN VI
CN VIII
CN X
Which of the following terms describes cracking at the corners of the mouth?
Chelitis (perleche)
Polyps
Xerostomia
A congenital defect known as "tongue tie" occurs with a short linguinal frenulum, which fixes the tip of the tongue
to the floor of the mouth. Which of the following mouth abnormals affects the mobility of the tongue and can
cause speech defects?
Migratory Glossitis
Ankyloglossia
Aphthous

10. During assessment of a patient's mouth,the nurse observes a nontender,fibrous nodule of the gum,seen
A.
B.
C.

A.
B.
C.

A.
B.
C.

A.
B.
C.
A.
B.
C.
A.
B.
C.

A.
B.
C.

A.
B.
C.

emerging between the teeth. Shenotes it a an inflammatory response to an injury the patient had mentioned.
Whichof the following terms describes the finding?
Retention Cyst (Mucocele)
Epulis
Koplik's Spots
11. Upon assessment of a child the nurse notes small blue-white spots with irregular red halo scattered over
mucosa opposite the molars. The child has not been immunized and the nurse suspects they may be
associated as an early sign of measles. Which of the following is described?
Leukoplakia
Aphthous Ulcers
Koplik's Spots
12. Upon assessment of a 24 yr old female, the nurse notices a small, round, "punched out" ulcer with white base
surrounded by a red halo. The patient says that they have been quite painful and present foe at least a week.
Which of the following is described?
Aphthous Ulcers "canker sore"
Herpes Simplex I Cold sores
Koplik's Spots
Upon
assessment
of the nasal cavity, the nurse observes smooth, pale, gray nodules, which look as though they
13.
are overgrowths of mucosa, on the middle meatus. They are mobile and nontender. Knowing that the patient has
a history of chronic allergic rhinitis, the nurse suspects which of the following?
Nasal Polyps
Furuncle
Turbinates
14. The gag reflex is controlled by which of the following cranial nerves?
IX and X
IV and VI
VIII and IX
15. Upon assessment of a 28 year old male, the nurse observes groups of clear vesicles with a surrounding
indurated erythematous base. The nurse suspects that these sores to be which of the following
Angulare Cheilitis (Stomatitis, Perleche)
Herpes Simplex 1 (cold sores)
Retention Cyst
Upon
assessment
of a 55 yr old male, who is a heavy smoker and drinker, the nurse observes a chalky, white,
16.
thick, raised patch with will- defined borders on the lateral edges of his tongue. The lesion is firmly attached and
will not scrape off. Which of the following precancerous conditions is described?
Monilial Infection
Leukoplakia
Leukoedema
17. A patient comes to the doctor complaining of facial pain, after an upper respiratory infection. The nurse
observes red swollen nasal mucosa, swollen turbinates, and purulent discharge. Which of the following may be
suspected?
Sinusitis
Acute Rhinitis
Allergic Rhinitis
Which
of the following terms menas protrusion of upper or lower incisors, resulting in poor biting technique?
18.

A.
B.
C.

19.
A.
B.
C.

Gingival hypertrophy
Malocclusion
Gingivostomaititis
Which of the following is a bony or membranous septum between the nasal cavity and the pharynx of the
newborn?
Foreign body
Choanal Atresia
Acute Rhinitis