A resident of a long-term care facility tells the nurse, 'I'm having a hard time hearing people talk and can't understand the voices on TV.' Which action is most appropriate?
- A. Teach the client about eliminating background noises in the room.
- B. Assess the client's hearing and use an otoscope for examination.
- C. Schedule an appointment with the HCP for bilateral ear irrigations.
- D. Instruct the client to look at the speaker's lips to decipher words.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The nurse should assess the client's hearing and perform an otoscopic examination to verify symptoms and identify the cause. Other actions follow assessment.
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Which ototoxic medication should the nurse recognize as potentially life altering or threatening to the client?
- A. An oral calcium channel blocker.
- B. An intravenous aminoglycoside antibiotic.
- C. An intravenous glucocorticoid.
- D. An oral loop diuretic.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Aminoglycosides (e.g., gentamicin) are ototoxic, causing permanent hearing loss, which is life-altering. Calcium channel blockers, glucocorticoids, and loop diuretics are less ototoxic.
An adult man fell off a ladder and hit his head. His wife rushed to help him and found him unconscious. After regaining consciousness several minutes later, he was drowsy and had trouble staying awake. He is admitted to the hospital for evaluation. When the nurse enters the room, he is sleeping. While caring for the client, the nurse finds that his systolic blood pressure has increased, his pulse has decreased, and his temperature is slightly elevated. What does this suggest?
- A. Increased cerebral blood flow
- B. Respiratory depression
- C. Increased intracranial pressure
- D. Hyperoxygenation of the cerebrum
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Increased systolic blood pressure, decreased pulse, and elevated temperature suggest increased intracranial pressure (Cushing's triad) post-head injury.
The client is postoperative retinal detachment surgery, and gas tamponade was used to flatten the retina. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
- A. Teach the signs of increased intraocular pressure.
- B. Position the client as prescribed by the surgeon.
- C. Assess the eye for signs/symptoms of complications.
- D. Explain the importance of follow-up visits.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Positioning as prescribed (e.g., face-down) is critical to maintain gas tamponade efficacy and retinal reattachment. Teaching, assessment, and follow-up are secondary.
A 50-year-old client is admitted with the diagnosis of open-angle glaucoma. Which of the following symptoms would the nurse expect the client to have?
- A. Severe eye pain
- B. Constant blurred vision
- C. Severe headaches, nausea, and vomiting
- D. Reports of seeing halos around objects
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Open-angle glaucoma is characterized by halos around objects due to increased intraocular pressure, not severe pain or headaches.
The nurse is providing teaching on the home treatment of acute sinusitis. Which interventions should the nurse advise the client to implement? Select all that apply.
- A. Take over-the-counter ranitidine.
- B. Apply warm compresses to the face.
- C. Use saline nasal spray as directed.
- D. Take over-the-counter pseudoephedrine.
- E. Spend time outdoors in the sunlight.
Correct Answer: B,C,D
Rationale: Applying warm compresses, using saline nasal spray, and taking a decongestant like pseudoephedrine relieve nasal and sinus congestion. Ranitidine treats dyspepsia, and sunlight exposure is unrelated to sinusitis.
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