Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Practice Exam

For a patient treated for Bell's palsy, when should Helen NOT be referred to another physician?

1. If the case is severe

2. If the patient has altered taste

3. If acute otitis media occurs

4. If the patient has a corneal abrasion

The correct answer is: If the patient has altered taste

To understand the context of when a patient with Bell's palsy should not be referred to another physician, consider the nature and common course of the condition. Bell's palsy is primarily characterized by a sudden onset of facial weakness or paralysis, often occurring on one side of the face, and it can sometimes present with altered taste due to the proximity of the facial nerve to taste sensation pathways. Choosing to not refer Helen for altered taste is justified as altered taste is a common and usually benign symptom associated with Bell's palsy. It often resolves during the recovery phase and does not typically indicate the need for further medical intervention. In most cases, patients with Bell's palsy are monitored for their symptoms, and while altered taste may be bothersome, it usually does not warrant a referral unless accompanied by other more concerning signs or symptoms. In contrast, severe cases, acute otitis media, and corneal abrasions pose more complex challenges that may require the attention of another specialist. Severe cases may need specialized treatment protocols or interventions, acute otitis media can complicate recovery, and corneal abrasions require ophthalmologic evaluation to prevent complications such as infection or vision impairment. Thus, it's clear that altered taste does not signify a need for a referral in the