Nokea
A patient with mastoiditis is admitted to the post-surgical unit after undergoing a radical mastoidectomy. The nurse should identify what priority of postoperative care?
- A. Assessing for mouth droop and decreased lateral eye gaze
- B. Assessing for increased middle ear pressure and perforated ear drum
- C. Assessing for gradual onset of conductive hearing loss and nystagmus
- D. Assessing for scar tissue and cerumen obstructing the auditory canal
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Facial nerve injury during mastoidectomy can cause mouth droop and decreased lateral gaze, making this a priority assessment. Middle ear pressure, hearing loss, or scar tissue are not immediate postoperative concerns.
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The nurse is providing discharge education for a patient with a new diagnosis of Mnires disease. What food should the patient be instructed to limit or avoid?
- A. Sweet pickles
- B. Frozen yogurt
- C. Shellfish
- D. Red meat
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Mnires disease is exacerbated by high salt and sugar intake, which sweet pickles contain. Dairy, shellfish, and red meat are not contraindicated unless processed or canned.
A patient is being discharged home after mastoid surgery. What topic should the nurse include in discharge teaching?
- A. Expected changes in facial nerve function
- B. The need for audiometry testing every 6 months following recovery
- C. Safe use of analgesics and antivertiginous agents
- D. Appropriate use of OTC ear drops
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Teaching about analgesics and antivertiginous agents supports safe management of pain and vertigo post-mastoidectomy. Facial nerve changes are complications, audiometry is not routine, and OTC ear drops are not recommended.
A patient is scheduled to have an electronystagmography as part of a diagnostic workup for Mnires disease. What question is it most important for the nurse to ask the patient in preparation for this test?
- A. Have you ever experienced claustrophobia or feelings of anxiety while in enclosed spaces?
- B. Do you currently take any tranquilizers or stimulants on a regular basis?
- C. Do you have a history of falls or problems with loss of balance?
- D. Do you have a history of either high or low blood pressure?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Electronystagmography requires withholding medications like tranquilizers or stimulants that affect nystagmus, ensuring accurate results. Claustrophobia, falls, or blood pressure are less relevant to test preparation.
Which of the following nurses actions carries the greatest potential to prevent hearing loss due to ototoxicity?
- A. Ensure that patients understand the differences between sensory hearing loss and conductive hearing loss.
- B. Educate patients about expected age-related changes in hearing perception.
- C. Educate patients about the risks associated with prolonged exposure to environmental noise.
- D. Be aware of patients medication regimens and collaborate with other professionals accordingly.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Monitoring and collaborating on medication regimens prevent ototoxicity from drugs like aspirin, which can cause hearing loss. Education on hearing types or noise is less relevant.
A patient has undergone diagnostic testing and has been diagnosed with otosclerosis? What ear structure is primarily affected by this diagnosis?
- A. Malleus
- B. Stapes
- C. Incus
- D. Tympanic membrane
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Otosclerosis causes abnormal bone growth around the stapes, fixing it and impairing sound conduction. Other ear structures are not primarily affected.