The nurse holds the tuning fork by the handle and gently strikes the fork on the palm of the hand. Then, the nurse places the base of the fork on the client's mastoid process. The nurse requests that the client indicate when the sound can no longer be heard. Which test is the nurse performing?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The nurse is performing the Rinne test, which compares bone conduction and air conduction. Striking the tuning fork and placing it on the mastoid process tests bone conduction, and then moving the fork near the ear tests air conduction. The client is asked to indicate when they can no longer hear the sound during air conduction. The Weber test involves placing the tuning fork on the midline of the client's skull, and the client indicates if the sound is heard better in one ear or equally in both. The Whisper test involves assessing the client's ability to hear spoken words at a distance. The Romberg test involves testing the client's balance and proprioception.

The Nurse Holds the Tuning Fork by the Handle and Gently