A nurse is caring for an older adult client who wears hearing aids with detachable ear molds.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take when caring for the hearing aids?

Choice A rationale:

Restlessness is a common indicator of unrelieved pain in a client. It suggests that the client is uncomfortable and experiencing discomfort, which could be due to inadequate pain relief. Restlessness may manifest as frequent shifting, fidgeting, and an inability to find a comfortable position. Therefore, choice A is the correct answer as it is a reliable indicator of unrelieved pain.

Choice B rationale:

Urinary retention is not typically associated with unrelieved pain in a client with a spinal epidural for a herniated disc. Urinary retention may result from the effects of the epidural anesthesia itself but is not a specific indicator of unrelieved pain. Therefore, choice B is not the correct answer.

Choice C rationale:

Constipation is not a direct indicator of unrelieved pain related to a spinal epidural. Constipation can occur for various reasons, including medications, decreased mobility, and dietary factors. While pain may contribute to constipation indirectly, it is not a reliable and specific sign of unrelieved pain in this context. Therefore, choice C is not the correct answer.

Choice D rationale:

Difficulty swallowing is not typically associated with unrelieved pain related to a spinal epidural. It may be related to other factors, such as muscle weakness or neurological issues, but it is not a specific indicator of unrelieved pain in this situation. Therefore, choice D is not the correct answer.

The correct answer is: c. The AP pulls the pinna up and back.

Choice A reason: The AP inserting the probe with a straight, forward motion is not the correct technique for tympanic temperature measurement. The ear canal does not run straight forward into the head; instead, it curves slightly. Inserting the probe straight forward could potentially damage the ear canal or eardrum and would not provide an accurate temperature reading.

Choice B reason: Pointing the probe posteriorly is also incorrect. The tympanic membrane is located at the end of the ear canal, and the probe should be directed towards it. However, the probe should be angled slightly downward and toward the jawline, not straight back, to align with the ear canal and ensure an accurate reading.

Choice C reason: Pulling the pinna up and back is the correct method for adults and children over one year old. This action straightens the ear canal, allowing the thermometer’s sensor to get a clear path to the tympanic membrane, which is necessary for an accurate temperature reading. For infants, the correct method is to pull the earlobe straight back.

Choice D reason: The AP positioning the client facing her does not directly relate to the technique of measuring tympanic temperature. While it may be necessary for the AP to see the client’s ear, it is not an indication of understanding the correct procedure for tympanic temperature measurement.