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Section 1: Anatomy and Physiology of the Ear (Questions 1-20)
1. A nurse is explaining the pathway of sound to a parent of a child with
hearing loss. Which sequence correctly describes the transmission of
sound through the ear?
A. Pinna, external auditory canal, tympanic membrane, ossicles, oval
window, cochlea
B. Pinna, tympanic membrane, external auditory canal, ossicles, round
window, cochlea
C. External auditory canal, pinna, ossicles, tympanic membrane, oval
window, cochlea
D. Pinna, external auditory canal, ossicles, tympanic membrane, round
window, cochlea
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Sound travels from the pinna through the external auditory
canal to the tympanic membrane. The tympanic membrane vibrates and
transmits sound to the ossicles in the middle ear. The stapes then pushes
on the oval window, which transmits vibrations to the cochlea. Option B
is incorrect because the tympanic membrane comes after the external
auditory canal. Option C is incorrect because the pinna comes before the
external auditory canal. Option D is incorrect because ossicles come
after the tympanic membrane, not before.
,2. A child is diagnosed with a conductive hearing loss. Which structure is
most likely affected?
A. Cochlea
B. Auditory nerve
C. Tympanic membrane
D. Brainstem
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Conductive hearing loss involves problems with the outer or
middle ear, which includes the tympanic membrane. The cochlea and
auditory nerve are part of the inner ear and are associated with
sensorineural hearing loss. The brainstem is part of the central auditory
pathway.
3. A nurse is reviewing the anatomy of the ear with a student. Which
statement accurately describes the function of the Eustachian tube?
A. It transmits sound vibrations to the cochlea
B. It equalizes pressure between the middle ear and the nasopharynx
C. It converts sound waves into electrical signals
D. It maintains balance and spatial orientation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The Eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the
nasopharynx and equalizes pressure. The ossicles transmit sound to the
cochlea. The cochlea converts sound into electrical signals. The
vestibular system maintains balance.
,4. A child has a perforated tympanic membrane. Which type of hearing
loss would the nurse expect?
A. Sensorineural
B. Conductive
C. Mixed
D. Central
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A perforated tympanic membrane causes conductive hearing
loss because it interferes with the transmission of sound vibrations to
the middle ear. Sensorineural loss involves the inner ear. Mixed loss
involves both. Central loss involves the brain.
5. Which structure is responsible for transducing sound into electrical
signals?
A. Tympanic membrane
B. Ossicles
C. Cochlea
D. Eustachian tube
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The cochlea is responsible for transducing sound into
electrical signals. The tympanic membrane and ossicles transmit
vibrations. The Eustachian tube equalizes pressure.
, 6. A child is diagnosed with otitis media. Which part of the ear is
affected?
A. Outer ear
B. Middle ear
C. Inner ear
D. Central auditory pathway
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Otitis media is an infection of the middle ear. It affects the
tympanic membrane and ossicles, causing conductive hearing loss. The
outer ear includes the pinna and ear canal. The inner ear includes the
cochlea.
7. A nurse is assessing a child with vertigo. Which part of the ear is most
likely involved?
A. Cochlea
B. Vestibular system
C. Tympanic membrane
D. External auditory canal
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Vertigo is a symptom of vestibular system dysfunction. The
vestibular system is located in the inner ear and is responsible for
balance. The cochlea is for hearing. The tympanic membrane and
external auditory canal are for sound transmission.