A nurse caring for a client with acute peritonitis reviews the physician's orders. The orders include an NPO diet, insertion of a nasogastric tube set to low intermittent suction, and IV fluids at 50 mL per hour. When asked why he will need the NG tube, what is the nurse's best reply?

Choice A reason: This is incorrect because education about mastoidectomy is not relevant for a client with an upper respiratory infection. Mastoidectomy is a surgical procedure that removes part or all of the mastoid bone behind the ear, which can become infected or inflamed due to chronic or recurrent middle ear infections. The nurse should assess the client's ear for signs of mastoiditis, such as swelling, tenderness, or redness behind the ear, but mastoidectomy is not a common or first-line treatment for upper respiratory infection.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect because a referral for a hearing test is not necessary for a client with an upper respiratory infection. Hearing test is a diagnostic tool that measures how well a person can hear different sounds at different frequencies and intensities. The nurse should ask the client about any changes in hearing or tinnitus, which are possible complications of upper respiratory infection, but a hearing test is not a routine or urgent intervention for this condition.
Choice C reason: This is correct because education on the administration of oral antibiotics can help treat an upper respiratory infection. Antibiotics are drugs that kill or inhibit bacteria that cause infections. Upper respiratory infections can be caused by various pathogens, such as viruses, bacteria, or fungi, but bacterial infections are more likely to cause fever, otalgia, or purulent nasal drainage. The nurse should instruct the client on how to take antibiotics as prescribed, such as dosage, frequency, duration, side effects, and interactions.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect because a prescription for an antifungal cream is not appropriate for a client

Choice A Reason: This is correct because macular degeneration is a condition that affects the macula, which is the central part of the retina that is responsible for sharp and detailed vision. Macular degeneration can cause blurred or distorted central vision, difficulty reading or recognizing faces, or dark spots in the visual field.

Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because glaucoma is a condition that affects the optic nerve, which is the nerve that connects the eye to the brain and carries visual signals. Glaucoma can cause increased pressure inside the eye, damage to the optic nerve, and loss of peripheral vision.

Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because diabetic retinopathy is a condition that affects the blood vessels in the retina, which is the layer of tissue at the back of the eye that converts light into nerve impulses. Diabetic retinopathy can cause bleeding, swelling, or leakage of fluid in the retina, and loss of vision in any part of the visual field.

Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because cataract is a condition that affects the lens, which is the transparent structure behind the pupil that focuses light onto the retina. Cataract can cause clouding or opacity of the lens, and reduced vision in all parts of the visual field.