Question

A nurse is assisting a health care provider in performing a caloric test on a client. Following instillation of warm water into the ear, the nurse notes that nystagmus does not occur. The nurse would document the findings of this test as:

A. Normal response.
B. Abnormal response.
C. Positive Dix-Hallpike test.
D. Negative Barany test.

Answer 1

The absence of nystagmus after warm water instillation in a caloric test indicates an Abnormal response, suggesting an issue with the vestibular system.

Step-by-step explanation:

Following the instillation of warm water into the ear during a caloric test, if nystagmus does not occur, the nurse would document the findings as an Abnormal response. This test is used to assess the function of the vestibular portion of the inner ear, which helps control balance and eye movements. The normal response to warm water instillation should be the occurrence of nystagmus, which is a rapid, involuntary eye movement. The absence of nystagmus indicates a potential problem with the vestibular system. Nystagmus is a normal response in a caloric test, so its absence indicates an abnormality.