Question

A nurse is assisting the health care provider in performing a caloric test on a client. Following instillation of warm water into the ear, the client complains of vertigo. The nurse documents the findings of this test as:

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

Answer 1

In response to a caloric test, vertigo is a normal reaction indicating a functional vestibulocochlear nerve, therefore, the nurse should document the client's experience of vertigo as a normal response.

Step-by-step explanation:

The caloric test is a part of the neurological examination related to the vestibulocochlear nerve, which affects balance and hearing. Instillation of warm water into the ear canal simulates the movement of fluid in the ear, which should normally lead to nystagmus (a movement of the eyes), indicating a functioning nerve and inner ear balance system. Vertigo is a common response to this stimulation, thus when a client complains of vertigo after warm water is instilled in their ear during a caloric test, the nurse documents the findings of this test as: A. Normal response.