A nurse is caring for a child who has otitis media. Which of the following assessment findings should the nurse expect?
Tugging on the affected ear lobe
Erythema and edema of the affected ear
Pain when manipulating the affected ear lobe
Clear drainage from the affected ear
The Correct Answer is A
The correct answer is: A. Tugging on the affected ear lobe.
Choice A reason:
Tugging on the affected ear lobe is a common sign of discomfort in children with otitis media. This behavior indicates that the child is experiencing pain or pressure in the ear, which is a typical symptom of this condition. Children often cannot verbalize their discomfort, so they may tug or pull at their ears to express their pain.
Choice B reason:
Erythema and edema of the affected ear are more indicative of otitis externa (swimmer's ear) rather than otitis media. Otitis media involves inflammation and infection of the middle ear, which is not typically visible externally. The primary signs of otitis media are observed through otoscopic examination, showing a bulging or erythematous tympanic membrane.
Choice C reason:
Pain when manipulating the affected ear lobe is also more characteristic of otitis externa. In otitis media, the pain is usually deeper within the ear and not exacerbated by touching the outer ear. The pain in otitis media is due to the pressure and inflammation in the middle ear space.
Choice D reason:
Clear drainage from the affected ear is not typical of otitis media. If there is drainage, it is usually purulent (pus-like) and indicates a ruptured eardrum due to the infection. Clear drainage is more commonly associated with conditions like otitis externa or a perforated eardrum without infection.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A: Restraining the child's arms is not an appropriate action for a nurse to take when caring for a child who is experiencing a seizure, as this can cause injury to the child or the nurse. Restraining the child's arms can also increase the child's anxiety and agitation, which can worsen the seizure.
Choice B: Using a padded tongue blade is not an appropriate action for a nurse to take when caring for a child who is experiencing a seizure, as this can cause injury to the child's mouth, teeth, or tongue. Using a padded tongue blade can also increase the risk of choking or aspiration, which can compromise the child's airway.
Choice C: Attempting to stop the seizure is not an appropriate action for a nurse to take when caring for a child who is experiencing a seizure, as this can be ineffective or harmful. Attempting to stop the seizure can also interfere with the natural course of the seizure, which may be necessary for the brain to recover.
Choice D: Positioning the child laterally is an appropriate action for a nurse to take when caring for a child who is experiencing a seizure, as this can help maintain the child's airway and prevent aspiration. Positioning the child laterally means placing the child on their side with their head tilted slightly forward and their mouth open.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A: Performing range of motion on the infant's hips is not appropriate for an infant who has myelomeningocele, which is a type of spina bifida that causes a sac-like protrusion of the spinal cord and nerves through an opening in the spine. Performing range of motion on the infant's hips can cause nerve damage or pain in the lower extremities, which may already be affected by the condition.
Choice B: Taking an axillary temperature is appropriate for an infant who has myelomeningocele, as it is a non-invasive and accurate method of measuring body temperature. An axillary temperature is taken by placing a thermometer under the armpit and holding the arm close to the body. Taking an axillary temperature can help monitor for signs of infection or inflammation, which are common complications of myelomeningocele.
Choice C: Placing the infant in a side-lying position is not appropriate for an infant who has myelomeningocele, as it can cause pressure or friction on the sac and increase the risk of rupture or infection. The correct position for an infant with myelomeningocele is prone with hips slightly flexed and legs abducted. This position can prevent trauma and promote drainage from the sac.
Choice D: Maintaining a dry dressing over the sac is not appropriate for an infant who has myelomeningocele, as it can cause irritation or infection of the sac and surrounding skin. The correct dressing for an infant with myelomeningocele is moist and sterile with saline or antibiotic solution. This dressing can prevent drying and cracking of the sac and reduce bacterial growth.
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