1.
Where on the tympanic membrane does the cone of light reflect in the right ear?
Correct Answer
B. 5 o'clock
Explanation
The cone of light reflects at 7 o'clock in the left ear
2.
This tube serves as a channel through which are pressure within the middle ear can be equalized with the pressure of the external ear.
Correct Answer
D. Eustachian tube
Explanation
The external auditory canal connect the auricle to the tympanic membrane. There is no such thing as an internal auditory canal or a tympanic canal.
3.
If bone conduction is greater than air conduction, what does that indicate?
Correct Answer
A. Conductive hearing loss
Explanation
Conductive hearing loss is when the transmission of sound in the pathway from the external to internal ear is disrupted; bone conduction is not impacted because bone conduction skips the external and middle ear. Both trauma and infection are ways in which sensorineural hearing loss can occur.
Sensorineural hearing loss results from damage to the inner ear, auditory nerve (CN VIII) or auditory areas of the cerebral cortex.
4.
Which sinuses are present at birth? Check all that apply.
Correct Answer(s)
A. Maxillary
C. Ethmoid
Explanation
The maxillary and ethmoid sinuses are present at birth. The maxillary sinuses are located in the cheek area and the ethmoid sinuses are located between the eyes. The frontal and sphenoid sinuses develop later in childhood. Therefore, the correct answer is Maxillary and Ethmoid.
5.
Which salivary gland is located in the cheeks in front of the ear and secretes saliva through the stensen's ducts?
Correct Answer
A. Parotid
Explanation
The submandibular salivary glands are located beneath the mandible and secrete saliva through wharton's ducts. The sublingual salivary gland is located under the tongue and also secretes saliva through wharton's ducts. There's no such thing as subauricular glands.
6.
Which of the following can be causes of abnormal color (pale, red, cyanotic) to the external ear?
Correct Answer(s)
A. Vasomotor disorders
B. Fever
C. Hypoxemia
D. Cold weather
Explanation
Abnormal color (pale, red, cyanotic) to the external ear can be caused by various factors. Vasomotor disorders can lead to abnormal color changes in the external ear due to the dysfunction of blood vessels. Fever can cause dilation of blood vessels, resulting in redness of the external ear. Hypoxemia, which is a low level of oxygen in the blood, can cause cyanosis, a bluish discoloration of the skin. Cold weather can constrict blood vessels, leading to a pale appearance of the external ear.
7.
Which of the following could be potential causes for otitis externa (swelling, redness, and possible drainage of the external ear canal)?
Correct Answer(s)
A. Infection
C. Excessive moisture
D. Trauma
Explanation
Allergies in the ear present as an amber-yellow fluid behind the tympanic membrane, bulging and decreased movement of the tympanic membrane, or a retracted ear drum.
8.
Allergies present in the nose as what?
Correct Answer
B. Pale, swollen nasal mucosa with clear, watery discharge
Explanation
Option A describes a common cold. Option C describes a foreign body obstruction. Option D can describe trauma, nasal dyscrasias, or cancer.
9.
Which of the following can be a cause for a red, swollen, or tender hard palate?
Correct Answer
D. Infection
Explanation
Option A is characterized as a benign midline lump on the hard palate. Option B is associated with Turner's and Marfan's syndrome. Option C is caused by cancers of the mouth.
10.
Which of the following is an abnormality of the tongue caused exclusively by antibiotic therapy and characterized as a yellow, brown, or black tongue with elongated papillae?
Correct Answer
B. Hairy Leukoplakia
Explanation
Option A is a thick, white coating of the tongue that reveals a raw, red surface when scraped off which is caused by AIDS, excessive ETOH use, tobacco, cocaine, immune system depression, or changes in the normal flora of the mouth. Option C is a white patch on the tongue which can not be scraped off caused by cancerous or benign lesions, AIDS, ETOH use, or poor fitting dentures. Option D is a smooth, red tongue without papillae which is caused by B12, iron, or niacin deficiency. Option E is a short linguial frenulum caused by a congenital abnormality.
11.
Which of the following is not a normal change with age? Check all that apply.
Correct Answer
B. Increased dryness of the buccal mucosa
Explanation
With age the buccal mucosa may appear thinner, less vascular, and less shiny but should not become dryer. A dry buccal mucosa can indicate dehydration, salivary gland obstruction, Sjogren's syndrome, or excessive mouth breathing.