Care Manager Certification Practice Exam

When admitting a client with partial hearing loss, what should the nurse prioritize?

1. Speak slowly and clearly

2. Check for patient's understanding

3. Determine if the client uses hearing aids

4. Minimize background noise

The correct answer is: Determine if the client uses hearing aids

When admitting a client with partial hearing loss, determining if the client uses hearing aids is a critical step. This is important because understanding the client's current hearing capabilities can significantly affect communication and the overall care plan. If the client uses hearing aids, it's essential to ensure they are functioning properly and that the client knows how to use and maintain them. This assessment paves the way for effective communication and helps healthcare providers tailor their interactions to meet the client's specific needs. While the other options may contribute to better communication, they are more dependent on the underlying factors of the client's hearing loss status. For instance, speaking slowly and clearly can be beneficial, but if the client is using hearing aids, they may require a different approach. Checking for the patient's understanding is crucial after communication has taken place, and minimizing background noise can help during conversations, but these strategies should ideally be implemented after confirming the client's hearing aid situation. Therefore, starting with the determination of hearing aid use addresses a foundational aspect of the client's communication abilities.