The advanced practice nurse is attempting to examine the patients ear with an otoscope. Because of impacted cerumen, the tympanic membrane cannot be visualized. The nurse irrigates the patients ear with a solution of hydrogen peroxide and water to remove the impacted cerumen. What nursing intervention is most important to minimize nausea and vertigo during the procedure?
- A. Maintain the irrigation fluid at a warm temperature.
- B. Instill short, sharp bursts of fluid into the ear canal.
- C. Follow the procedure with insertion of a cerumen curette to extract missed ear wax.
- D. Have the patient stand during the procedure.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Correct Answer: A. Maintain the irrigation fluid at a warm temperature.
Rationale:
1. Warm fluid helps prevent vertigo and nausea by minimizing stimulation of the vestibular system.
2. Cold fluid can cause dizziness and nausea due to the temperature effect on the inner ear.
3. Warm fluid promotes patient comfort and relaxation during the procedure.
4. Cold fluid can lead to vasoconstriction, potentially exacerbating ear discomfort.
Summary of other choices:
B. Instilling short, sharp bursts of fluid can be uncomfortable and increase the risk of vertigo and nausea.
C. Following with a curette may not be necessary if the irrigation effectively removes the impacted cerumen.
D. Having the patient stand can increase the risk of falling or losing balance due to potential dizziness from the procedure.
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When reviewing the electronic health record of a female patient, the nurse reads that the patient has a history of adenomyosis. The nurse should be aware that this patient experiences symptoms resulting from what pathophysiologic process?
- A. Loss of muscle tone in the vaginal wall
- B. Excessive synthesis and release of unopposed estrogen
- C. Invasion of the uterine wall by endometrial tissue
- D. Proliferation of tumors in the uterine wall
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Invasion of the uterine wall by endometrial tissue. Adenomyosis is a condition where endometrial tissue grows into the muscular wall of the uterus, causing symptoms like heavy menstrual bleeding and severe cramping. This process results in inflammation, thickening of the uterine wall, and can lead to enlargement of the uterus.
Choice A: Loss of muscle tone in the vaginal wall is incorrect because adenomyosis does not involve the vaginal wall.
Choice B: Excessive synthesis and release of unopposed estrogen is incorrect because although estrogen can contribute to the growth of endometrial tissue, it is not the primary pathophysiologic process in adenomyosis.
Choice D: Proliferation of tumors in the uterine wall is incorrect because adenomyosis does not involve the growth of tumors, but rather the infiltration of endometrial tissue into the uterine muscle.
A child has been transported to the emergency department (ED) after a severe allergic reaction. The ED nurse is evaluating the patients respiratory status. How should the nurse evaluate the patients respiratory status? Select all that apply.
- A. Facilitate lung function testing.
- B. Assess breath sounds.
- C. Measure the childs oxygen saturation by oximeter.
- D. Monitor the childs respiratory pattern. E) Assess the childs respiratory rate.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Rationale: Assessing breath sounds is crucial in evaluating respiratory status as it helps identify any signs of airway obstruction or respiratory distress. This includes listening for wheezing, crackles, or diminished breath sounds. Lung function testing (A) may not be feasible in an acute emergency situation. Oxygen saturation (C) is important but does not provide a comprehensive assessment of respiratory status. Monitoring respiratory pattern (D) and assessing respiratory rate (E) are important but do not directly assess breath sounds, which are vital in identifying immediate respiratory issues.
A patient with Huntington disease has just been admitted to a long-term care facility. The charge nurse is creating a care plan for this patient. Nutritional management for a patient with Huntington disease should be informed by what principle?
- A. The patient is likely to have an increased appetite.
- B. The patient is likely to required enzyme supplements.
- C. The patient will likely require a clear liquid diet.
- D. The patient will benefit from a low-protein diet.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D - The patient will benefit from a low-protein diet. Patients with Huntington disease often experience difficulty swallowing and may have involuntary movements, leading to weight loss. A low-protein diet can help manage these symptoms and reduce the risk of aspiration pneumonia. This diet can also help control the chorea movements associated with the disease.
Choice A is incorrect as patients with Huntington disease often have reduced appetite due to swallowing difficulties. Choice B is incorrect as enzyme supplements are not typically indicated in the management of Huntington disease. Choice C is incorrect as a clear liquid diet is not suitable for meeting the nutritional needs of a patient with Huntington disease, who may already be at risk for malnutrition.
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: The correct answer is B: Stapes. Otosclerosis is a condition characterized by abnormal bone growth in the middle ear, causing the stapes bone to become fixed in place. This results in hearing loss due to the inability of the stapes to transmit sound vibrations to the inner ear. The malleus (choice A), incus (choice C), and tympanic membrane (choice D) are not primarily affected by otosclerosis. The malleus and incus are located in the middle ear but are not typically affected by otosclerosis. The tympanic membrane is part of the outer ear and is not directly involved in otosclerosis.
Several residents of a long-term care facility have developed signs and symptoms of viral conjunctivitis. What is the most appropriate action of the nurse who oversees care in the facility?
- A. Arrange for the administration of prophylactic antibiotics to unaffected residents.
- B. Instill normal saline into the eyes of affected residents two to three times daily.
- C. Swab the conjunctiva of unaffected residents for culture and sensitivity testing.
- D. Isolate affected residents from residents who have not developed conjunctivitis.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Isolate affected residents from residents who have not developed conjunctivitis. This is the most appropriate action to prevent the spread of viral conjunctivitis in a long-term care facility. By isolating affected residents, the nurse can minimize the risk of transmission to other residents.
Choice A is incorrect because prophylactic antibiotics are not effective against viral conjunctivitis. Choice B is also incorrect as normal saline does not treat viral conjunctivitis but may provide comfort. Choice C is unnecessary as viral conjunctivitis is typically diagnosed clinically and does not require culture testing.