NCLEX® Question of the Day: Acoustic Neuroma

Which is an anticipated finding during the admission assessment of a client diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma?

A. Nystagmus

B. Unilateral hearing loss

C. Loss of proprioception

D. Otorrhea

Scroll down for the correct answer!

The correct answer to today’s NCLEX-RN® Question is…

B. Unilateral hearing loss

Rationale: Unilateral hearing loss is hearing loss that impacts just one ear. This is an expected finding in clients with acoustic neuromas. Other findings include tinnitus and dizziness.

Main takeaway

An acoustic neuroma is a slow-growing, benign tumor that forms on cranial nerve VIII, causing unilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and sometimes dizziness.

Incorrect answer explanations

A. Nystagmus

Rationale: Nystagmus, which is the rhythmic fluctuation of the eyes, is associated with increased intracranial pressure, not acoustic neuroma.

C. Loss of proprioception

Rationale: Proprioception is the ability to sense body position. Loss of proprioception is associated with problems in the cerebellum, not acoustic neuroma.

D. Otorrhea

Rationale: Otorrhea, which is discharge from the ears, is associated with ear infections, not acoustic neuroma.

References

Lewis, S.L., Bucher, L., Heitkemper, M.M., & Harding, M.M. (2017). Medical-surgical nursing: Assessment and management of clinical problems (10th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier.

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