2024 PN NCLEX Questions Nursing Practice Question
A healthcare provider is preparing to perform a Rinne test on a client who complains of hearing loss. In which area does the healthcare provider first place an activated tuning fork?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The Rinne test is designed to compare air conduction (AC) and bone conduction (BC) of sound. The tuning fork is first placed on the mastoid bone (C) to assess bone conduction. This location allows the provider to determine how long the client hears the sound through bone before it is moved to the air near the ear.
Option A (on the client’s teeth) is incorrect as the teeth are not a reliable site for this test. Option B (on the client’s forehead) is associated with the Weber test, which evaluates lateralization rather than AC vs. BC. Option D (on the midline of the client’s skull) is also related to the Weber test and does not serve the purpose of the Rinne test.