Where does the nurse initially place the tuning fork when performing a Rinne test?

The Rinne test is a clinical test used to evaluate hearing loss by comparing air conduction and bone conduction. When performing the Rinne test, the nurse begins by placing the vibrating tuning fork on the mastoid bone, which is located just behind the ear. This initial placement is essential because it assesses bone conduction, allowing the nurse to determine whether sound is perceived through the bone.

After placing the tuning fork on the mastoid bone, the nurse then moves the fork to the front of the client's ear to test air conduction. This comparison helps in identifying the type of hearing loss the client may be experiencing.

The other locations suggested, such as the forehead, mouth, or chin, are not appropriate starting points for the Rinne test as they do not allow for accurate measurement of bone conduction relevant to hearing assessment. Therefore, starting with the mastoid bone is critical to obtaining reliable test results for evaluating a patient’s hearing ability.