A charge nurse in a long-term care facility is developing an educational program for staff members about common physiological changes in older adults. Which of the following information should the nurse include?

A) Use petroleum jelly on a cotton ball to plug your ear when shampooing.
This technique helps prevent water from entering the ear during activities like showering. While it is useful for keeping the ear dry, it does not directly address preventing trauma or further hearing impairment post-surgery.

B) Clean dried blood in your ear canal with a cotton-tipped applicator.
Using cotton-tipped applicators can cause damage to the delicate ear canal and potentially disturb the surgical site. This action increases the risk of infection and trauma, potentially worsening hearing loss instead of preventing it.

C) Avoid blowing your nose for 1 month after surgery.
Refraining from nose blowing is essential because it prevents pressure changes that could disrupt the surgical repair. Such pressure changes can lead to complications like graft displacement, which can cause trauma and impair hearing.

D) Notify your provider if you have popping or crackling sensations in the affected ear.
Popping or crackling can be common as the ear heals and adjusts. These sensations typically do not indicate a problem unless accompanied by pain or other symptoms. Thus, while monitoring is important, it is not a primary preventative measure for trauma or hearing issues.

A) Keep client in semi-Fowler's position with right extremity flat: Semi-Fowler's position is not optimal for a client with a compound fracture of the right tibia. Elevating the affected extremity, rather than keeping it flat, can help reduce swelling and pain.

B) Manage pain with oral opioids every 6 hr: While managing pain is crucial, oral opioids may not provide immediate relief needed in acute settings. Pain management should include a combination of strategies and may require IV analgesics for quicker relief.

C) Check capillary refill hourly for the first 24 hr: Although monitoring capillary refill is important to assess circulation, it is only one aspect of monitoring. Comprehensive assessment includes checking for signs of infection, neurovascular status, and compartment syndrome.

D) Apply a compression dressing over the fracture site: Applying a compression dressing can help control bleeding and reduce swelling. In a compound fracture, managing external bleeding and providing some stability to the fracture site are immediate priorities. However, the nurse should ensure this is done without compromising circulation and should be guided by physician orders.