One ear is tested at a time, the untested ear is covered by palm of hand, this test is known as?

Appeared in: UPUMS Nsg officer-2023

Explanation

The Whisper test is a simple, non-invasive screening tool used to evaluate gross hearing acuity at the bedside.
A critical step in this test is masking the non-tested ear to prevent it from compensating for any hearing loss in the ear being tested.
The technique described—covering the untested ear with the palm of the hand or by occluding the tragus—is the standard procedure for performing the whisper test.

Option B: The Weber test uses a tuning fork on the midline of the head to assess for lateralization of sound. It does not involve covering one ear.
Option C: The Rinne test uses a tuning fork to compare air conduction and bone conduction by placing it on the mastoid process and then near the ear canal.
Option D: Audiometry is a formal, quantitative hearing assessment performed with an audiometer in a sound-controlled environment. Masking is done electronically, not with a hand.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Bedside hearing screening tests as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
The whisper test is a valuable, cost-effective, and quick screening tool for nurses to identify potential hearing loss in various settings like primary care clinics, schools, and community health screenings.
Early detection of hearing loss through simple screenings can lead to timely referral for formal audiologic evaluation and intervention, improving patient outcomes and quality of life.
What if? If a patient fails the whisper test, the next step is not to repeat the test multiple times, but to perform tuning fork tests (Rinne and Weber) to begin differentiating between conductive and sensorineural hearing loss, and to refer the patient for formal audiometry.

How to Approach the Question

First, carefully read the question and identify the key actions described in the procedure. The core elements are: testing one ear at a time and covering the untested ear with the palm.
Next, evaluate each option based on your knowledge of hearing assessment techniques.
Recognize that the 'whisper test' is a basic screening test that does not require special equipment, matching the simple, manual procedure described.
Eliminate 'Weber test' and 'Rinne test' as they specifically require the use of a tuning fork.
Eliminate 'Audiometry' as it is a formal diagnostic procedure using specialized electronic equipment in a controlled setting.
Conclude that the described procedure is the Whisper test.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Nursing Brunner Adult Health 3SA Vol 2 Part 1 p. 59-61

E6 Medicine Macleod Clinical Examination 15e p. 206-208

E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 1 p. 289-291

Practise the full UPUMS Nsg officer-2023

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.