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 C
Explanation
The correct answer is: c. Hold the infant’s chin to his chest and knees to his abdomen during the procedure.
Choice A: Apply a eutectic mixture of lidocaine and prilocaine cream topically 15 min prior to the procedure.
Applying a eutectic mixture of lidocaine and prilocaine (EMLA) cream can help reduce pain during procedures like lumbar punctures. However, it typically needs to be applied 30 to 60 minutes before the procedure to be effective. Applying it only 15 minutes prior would not provide adequate analgesia.
Choice B: Keep the infant NPO for 6 hr prior to the procedure.
Keeping an infant NPO (nothing by mouth) for 6 hours is generally recommended before procedures requiring sedation or anesthesia to reduce the risk of aspiration. However, lumbar punctures do not typically require such prolonged fasting, especially in infants, unless sedation is planned.
Choice C: Hold the infant’s chin to his chest and knees to his abdomen during the procedure.
This is the correct positioning for a lumbar puncture in infants. The infant should be held in a curled-up position, with the chin to the chest and knees to the abdomen, to maximize the space between the vertebrae and allow easier access to the lumbar region. This position helps to stabilize the infant and reduce movement during the procedure.
Choice D: Place the infant in an infant seat for 2 hr following the procedure.
Post-procedure care for a lumbar puncture typically involves monitoring the infant for any signs of complications, such as headache or infection. Placing the infant in an infant seat for 2 hours is not a standard recommendation. Instead, the infant should be observed and allowed to rest comfortably.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: This choice is incorrect because tying colorful latex balloons to the side of
the crib may pose a risk of choking or suffocation for the infant who is in a cast for DDH. Latex balloons are made of rubber that can break easily and form small pieces that can block the airway or lungs if swallowed or inhaled by
the infant. Therefore, avoiding latex products such as balloons, gloves, or bandages is important to prevent accidents or injuries.
Choice B reason: This choice is incorrect because following the doctor's instructions regarding activities and treatment plans is not a specific strategy to promote the infant's growth and development. Following
the doctor's instructions regarding activities and treatment plans is a general responsibility of the nurse that applies to any client who has any condition or procedure. It may help to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the care, but it does not address the developmental needs of the infant who is in a cast for DDH.
Choice C reason: This choice is correct because providing a small electronic toy is a specific strategy to promote
the infant's growth and development. Providing a small electronic toy can help stimulate the infant's senses, cognition, and motor skills by offering visual, auditory, or tactile feedback. It may also help to reduce boredom, frustration, or depression by providing entertainment, diversion, or comfort. Therefore, providing a small electronic toy can help to enhance the developmental outcomes of the infant who is in a cast for DDH.
Choice D reason: This choice is incorrect because changing the infant's diaper as soon as soiling occurs is not a specific strategy to promote the infant's growth and development. Changing the infant's diaper as soon as soiling occurs is a general hygiene measure that applies to any infant who wears a diaper. It may help to prevent skin irritation, infection, or odor by keeping the diaper area clean and dry, but it does not address the developmental needs of the infant who is in a cast for DDH.
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