The client comes to the emergency department after splashing chemicals into the eyes. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
- A. Have the client move the eyes in all directions.
- B. Administer a broad-spectrum antibiotic.
- C. Irrigate the eyes with normal saline solution.
- D. Determine when the client had a tetanus shot.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Immediate irrigation with normal saline removes chemicals, preventing corneal damage. Eye movement, antibiotics, and tetanus history are secondary.
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Which assessment technique should the nurse implement when assessing the client's cranial nerves for vibration?
- A. Move the big toe up and down and ask in which direction the vibration is felt.
- B. Place a tuning fork on the big toe and ask if the vibrations are felt.
- C. Tap the client's cheek with the finger and determine if vibrations are felt.
- D. Touch the arm with two sharp objects and ask if one (1) vibration or two (2) is felt.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Placing a tuning fork on the big toe assesses vibration sense (via dorsal column pathways), not cranial nerves directly, but is the correct technique. Other options assess different sensations.
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 elderly client is complaining of abdominal discomfort. Which scientific rationale should the nurse remember when addressing an elderly client's perception of pain?
- A. Elderly clients react to pain the same way any other age group does.
- B. The elderly client usually requires more pain medication.
- C. Reaction to painful stimuli may be decreased with age.
- D. The elderly client should use the Wong scale to assess pain.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Age-related sensory decline reduces pain perception in the elderly, affecting reporting. Pain reaction varies, more medication is not standard, and the Wong scale is pediatric.
The nurse is assessing the client receiving brimonidine eye drops. Which assessment findings will the nurse recognize as known side effects of brimonidine? Select all that apply.
- A. Blurred vision
- B. Ocular itching
- C. Ocular stinging
- D. Hearing loss
- E. Conjunctivitis
Correct Answer: A,B,C,E
Rationale: Brimonidine (Alphagan) is an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist; the nurse should recognize blurred vision, ocular itching, ocular stinging, and conjunctivitis as side effects of brimonidine. Hearing loss is not a side effect of brimonidine.
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