Nokea
The nurse is caring for a patient who has undergone a mastoidectomy. In an effort to prevent postoperative infection, what intervention should the nurse implement?
- A. Teach the patient about the risks of ototoxic medications.
- B. Instruct the patient to protect the ear from water for several weeks.
- C. Teach the patient to remove cerumen safely at least once per week.
- D. Instruct the patient to protect the ear from temperature extremes until healing is complete.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Keeping the ear dry for 6 weeks post-mastoidectomy prevents infection by avoiding water entry into the surgical site. Ototoxic drugs, cerumen removal, or temperature extremes are not infection-related risks.
You may also like to solve these questions
The nurse in the ED is caring for a 4 year-old brought in by his parents who state that the child will not stop crying and pulling at his ear. Based on information collected by the nurse, which of the following statements applies to a diagnosis of external otitis?
- A. External otitis is characterized by aural tenderness.
- B. External otitis is usually accompanied by a high fever.
- C. External otitis is usually related to an upper respiratory infection.
- D. External otitis can be prevented by using cotton-tipped applicators to clean the ear.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Aural tenderness is a key feature of otitis externa due to canal inflammation. High fever and upper respiratory infections are more typical of otitis media, and cotton-tipped applicators can cause otitis externa.
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.
While reviewing the health history of an older adult experiencing hearing loss the nurse notes the patient has had no trauma or loss of balance. What aspect of this patients health history is most likely to be linked to the patients hearing deficit?
- A. Recent completion of radiation therapy for treatment of thyroid cancer
- B. Routine use of quinine for management of leg cramps
- C. Allergy to hair coloring and hair spray
- D. Previous perforation of the eardrum
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Quinine is ototoxic and its long-term use is associated with hearing loss. Radiation therapy, hair product allergies, and a single healed eardrum perforation are less likely to cause hearing deficits.
The nurse is assessing a patient with multiple sclerosis who is demonstrating involuntary, rhythmic eye movements. What term will the nurse use when documenting these eye movements?
- A. Vertigo
- B. Tinnitus
- C. Nystagmus
- D. Astigmatism
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Nystagmus is involuntary, rhythmic eye movement, common in multiple sclerosis. Vertigo is a sensation of movement, tinnitus is auditory, and astigmatism affects vision.
The nurse is planning the care of a patient with a diagnosis of vertigo. What nursing diagnosis risk should the nurse prioritize in this patients care?
- A. Risk for disturbed sensory perception
- B. Risk for unilateral neglect
- C. Risk for falls
- D. Risk for ineffective health maintenance
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Vertigo increases fall risk due to impaired balance, making this the priority nursing diagnosis. Other risks are less immediate.