A nurse is caring for a client following cataract surgery. Which of the following comments from the client should the nurse report to the client's provider?
"It's hard to see with a patch on one eye. I'm afraid of falling."
"My eye really itches, but I'm trying not to rub it."
"The bright light in this room is really bothering me."
"I need something for the pain in my eye. I can't stand it."
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: This is incorrect because this comment does not require reporting to the client's provider. It is normal to have reduced vision and an increased risk of falling with a patch on one eye after cataract surgery. The nurse should reassure the client, provide assistance with mobility, and educate the client on safety measures.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect because this comment does not require reporting to the client's provider. It is normal to have some itching and discomfort in the eye after cataract surgery. The nurse should commend the client for not rubbing the eye, as this can cause infection or damage to the surgical site. The nurse should also administer anti-inflammatory eye drops as prescribed and instruct the client on how to apply them.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect because this comment does not require reporting to the client's provider. It is normal to have increased sensitivity to light in the eye after cataract surgery. The nurse should dim the lights in the room, provide sunglasses or a shield for the eye, and educate the client on how to protect the eye from bright light.
Choice D reason: This is the correct answer because this comment requires reporting to the client's provider. Severe pain in the eye after cataract surgery can indicate a complication such as infection, inflammation, bleeding, or increased intraocular pressure. The nurse should assess the eye for signs of redness, swelling, discharge, or bleeding, and report the findings and the pain level to the provider. The nurse should also administer analgesics as prescribed and monitor the pain relief.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Decreased thickness of tympanic membranes is not a physiological change to hearing in older adult clients. The tympanic membranes are thin and flexible structures that vibrate in response to sound waves. The thickness of the tympanic membranes does not change significantly with age.
Choice B Reason: Decreased tinnitus is not a physiological change to hearing in older adult clients. Tinnitus is a ringing or buzzing sound in the ears that may be caused by various factors, such as noise exposure, ear infections, medications, or aging. Tinnitus may increase or decrease with age, depending on the underlying cause.
Choice C Reason: Decreased ear wax is not a physiological change to hearing in older adult clients. Ear wax is a natural substance that lubricates and protects the ear canal from dust, bacteria, and insects. Ear wax production may vary with age, but it does not affect hearing unless it accumulates and blocks the ear canal.
Choice D Reason: Decreased ability to hear high-frequency sounds is a physiological change to hearing in older adult clients. This is also known as presbycusis, which is a gradual loss of hearing that occurs as part of aging. Presbycusis affects the ability to hear high-pitched sounds, such as consonants, birdsong, or alarms.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is incorrect because increasing her voice when speaking to the client may not prevent complications, but rather annoy or offend the client. The nurse should not assume that a client with a visual impairment has a hearing impairment as well unless it is confirmed by assessment or history. The nurse should speak in a normal tone and volume and identify herself by name and role.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect because lowering the bed rails before lowering the bed may increase the risk of complications, such as falls or injuries. The nurse should keep the bed rails up until the client is ready to get out of bed and lower them only when necessary. The nurse should also lock the wheels of the bed and adjust it to a comfortable height for the client.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect because using hand gestures to point to where the client will walk may not prevent complications, but rather confuse or frustrate the client. The nurse should not use visual cues or gestures that are meaningless to a client with a visual impairment. The nurse should use verbal directions and descriptions instead, such as "The restroom is on your left, about 10 steps away."
Choice D reason: This is correct because standing slightly in front and to one side of the client can prevent complications, such as collisions or falls. The nurse should guide the client by offering her arm or shoulder for support and walking slightly ahead of him or her. The nurse should also warn the client about any obstacles or changes in terrain, such as stairs, doors, or rugs.
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