2024 PN NCLEX Questions Nursing Practice Question
A healthcare professional is using an otoscope to inspect the ears of an adult client. Which action does the professional take before inserting the otoscope?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Before inserting the otoscope, the healthcare professional should pull the pinna up and back (Option A). This action straightens the ear canal, allowing for better visualization of the tympanic membrane.
Option B, pulling the pinna down and forward, is appropriate for children but not for adults, as it can obstruct the view of the ear canal.
Options C and D, tipping the client’s head down toward or away from the examiner, do not facilitate proper access to the ear canal and can create discomfort. Therefore, the correct technique is crucial for an effective examination.