A medical assistant is preparing to perform a bilateral ear irrigation on a patient. The assistant should inform the patient that they might experience which of th following discomforts during irrigation?

Correct answer: C
A. Taking aspirin within 12 hr of testing: Aspirin does not generally impact spirometry results.
B. Using sedatives within 1 hr of testing: While sedatives might affect breathing, they are not commonly noted as a significant factor for spirometry test preparation.
C. Exercising 2 hr prior to testing: Exercise can temporarily affect lung function, so it's advised to avoid vigorous exercise before a spirometry test to ensure accurate results.
D. Eating a heavy meal 4 hr prior to testing: Although a heavy meal might cause some discomfort, it is less likely to affect the spirometry results compared to exercise.

A. Wipe away the first five drops of blood after puncturing: Only the first drop of blood should be wiped away to remove any tissue fluid, not the first five drops.
B. Apply even pressure to the finger during the collection: Applying even pressure helps to promote blood flow without causing hemolysis or excessive squeezing, which could affect test results.
C. Puncture the index finger at the tip: The recommended site for a capillary puncture is the side of the middle or ring finger, not the tip of the index finger.
D. Puncture parallel to the fingerprint: The puncture should be made perpendicular to the fingerprint ridges to ensure an adequate blood flow and reduce the risk of blood running along the ridges.