Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Practice Exam

If a patient smells something that no one else can, what is this condition known as?

1. Phantosmia

2. Anosmia

3. Parosmia

4. Hyposmia

The correct answer is: Phantosmia

The condition where a patient perceives a smell that no one else can detect is known as phantosmia. This phenomenon is characterized by the presence of olfactory hallucinations, where individuals experience the sensation of smells that are not present in the environment. Phantosmia can result from various factors, including neurological conditions, nasal infections, or even as a side effect of certain medications. Understanding this condition is important for clinical practice as it can indicate underlying neurological issues or other health concerns that may warrant further investigation or intervention. In contrast, anosmia refers to a complete loss of the sense of smell, while parosmia involves a distorted sense of smell, where familiar scents are perceived differently. Hyposmia refers to a reduced ability to smell. Each of these conditions has distinct characteristics and implications for patient assessment and management.