An otoscope is an instrument consisting of a handle, a light source, a magnifying lens, and an optional speculum for inserting in the eye.

When the patient reports dizziness, nystagmus, or problems with equilibrium, simple tests can be performed to assess vestibular function

The ear consists of three areas: the outer ear, the middle ear, and the inner ear. The inner ear contains the receptors for the senses of hearing and equilibrium.

In the ear, cumulative damage to the hair cells in the organ of Corti usually becomes apparent sometime after the age of 40.

In what order does a beam of light pass through the refractive structures in the eye? (Use all items, and place them in the correct order. e.g. 1111)

1. Aqueous humor

2. Cornea

3. Lens

4. Vitreous humor

The nurse is asked to assist with the assessment of a patient’s visual acuity. Which assessment methods would the nurse anticipate could be used? Select all that apply.

The nurse is collecting data during a patient’s clinic visit. Which question will best collect data about a patient’s preventive ear health?

The nurse is assisting with a Romberg test. What is the most important nursing action during the Romberg test?

The nurse prepares to provide an eye irrigation to a patient with a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection. Contact precautions are ordered. Which protective items will the nurse need while performing this procedure? Select all that apply.

The nurse is caring for a patient with presbycusis. Which technique is most important for the nurse to use to increase communication with this patient?

The nurse is contributing to the plan of care for a patient with Ménière disease. What is the primary goal for this patient that the nurse should recommend to include in the plan of care?

The nurse is assisting with discharge instructions for a patient. Which of these medications would the nurse teach the patient can cause hearing loss? Select all that apply.

The nurse is caring for a patient who is diagnosed with a refractive error and asks what this means. What would be the appropriate explanation by the nurse?

The nurse cares for patients after eye surgery. Which of these patients would the nurse provide specific positioning instructions to after eye surgery to prevent complications?

• Infections of the eye can be caused by bacteria or viruses. Bacteria include Staphylococcus and Streptococcus

A myringotomy is an incision made in the tympanic membrane to drain fluid out of the middle ear.

Age-related macular degeneration involves deterioration and scarring within the retina. This is the area on the retina where light rays converge for the sharp, central vision needed for reading and seeing small objects.

External otitis is the infection that most often occurs.

Glaucoma is an opacity in the lens of the eye that may cause a loss of visual acuity. Vision is diminished because the light rays are unable to get to the retina through the clouded lens.