A nurse is preparing to administer ear drops to a 2-year-old toddler who has an ear infection and a small amount of purulent drainage visible around the ear. Which of the following techniques should the nurse use when instilling the medication?
Firmly push a cotton ball into the ear canal after instilling drops.
Pull the child's ear auricle upward and outward just before instilling drops.
Apply clean gloves and clean the outer ear prior to instilling drops.
Warm the medication container for 10 seconds in a microwave oven prior to installation.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Firmly push a cotton ball into the ear canal after instilling drops. Firmly pushing a cotton ball into the ear canal is not recommended as it can cause irritation or damage to the ear canal. A loose cotton ball can be placed at the entrance of the ear canal to prevent the drops from leaking out, but it should not be inserted deeply.
B. Pull the child's ear auricle upward and outward just before instilling drops. For a child under 3 years old, the ear auricle should be pulled downward and backward to straighten the ear canal for proper administration of ear drops. Pulling upward and outward is appropriate for older children and adults.
C. Apply clean gloves and clean the outer ear prior to instilling drops. Applying clean gloves and cleaning the outer ear is essential for preventing infection and ensuring that the medication is administered properly. This is a standard procedure to maintain hygiene.
D. Warm the medication container for 10 seconds in a microwave oven prior to installation. Microwaving medication is not recommended as it can overheat and degrade the medication. Warming the drops by holding the container in your hands for a few minutes is safer and helps to avoid the discomfort of cold drops.
A. Firmly push a cotton ball into the ear canal after instilling drops. Firmly pushing a cotton ball into the ear canal is not recommended as it can cause irritation or damage to the ear canal. A loose cotton ball can be placed at the entrance of the ear canal to prevent the drops from leaking out, but it should not be inserted deeply.
B. Pull the child's ear auricle upward and outward just before instilling drops. For a child under 3 years old, the ear auricle should be pulled downward and backward to straighten the ear canal for proper administration of ear drops. Pulling upward and outward is appropriate for older children and adults.
C. Apply clean gloves and clean the outer ear prior to instilling drops. Applying clean gloves and cleaning the outer ear is essential for preventing infection and ensuring that the medication is administered properly. This is a standard procedure to maintain hygiene.
D. Warm the medication container for 10 seconds in a microwave oven prior to installation. Microwaving medication is not recommended as it can overheat and degrade the medication. Warming the drops by holding the container in your hands for a few minutes is safer and helps to avoid the discomfort of cold drops.
A. Firmly push a cotton ball into the ear canal after instilling drops. Firmly pushing a cotton ball into the ear canal is not recommended as it can cause irritation or damage to the ear canal. A loose cotton ball can be placed at the entrance of the ear canal to prevent the drops from leaking out, but it should not be inserted deeply.
B. Pull the child's ear auricle upward and outward just before instilling drops. For a child under 3 years old, the ear auricle should be pulled downward and backward to straighten the ear canal for proper administration of ear drops. Pulling upward and outward is appropriate for older children and adults.
C. Apply clean gloves and clean the outer ear prior to instilling drops. Applying clean gloves and cleaning the outer ear is essential for preventing infection and ensuring that the medication is administered properly. This is a standard procedure to maintain hygiene.
D. Warm the medication container for 10 seconds in a microwave oven prior to installation. Microwaving medication is not recommended as it can overheat and degrade the medication. Warming the drops by holding the container in your hands for a few minutes is safer and helps to avoid the discomfort of cold drops.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "He takes his medication between meals with water." Taking carbamazepine with food helps reduce gastrointestinal upset, but taking it between meals is not critical unless there are specific issues. This is not a priority unless the patient is experiencing significant GI discomfort.
B. "He only sleeps about 5 hours each night." Insufficient sleep can exacerbate seizure disorders, but it is not directly life-threatening. Improving sleep hygiene is important but not the most immediate concern compared to other symptoms.
C. "He seems to be getting a lot more bumps and bruises lately." Increased bruising can indicate thrombocytopenia, a potential side effect of carbamazepine, which can lead to serious bleeding issues. This is the priority as it may indicate a severe adverse effect requiring immediate medical attention and possible adjustment of medication.
D. "He has not been eating as much lately." Decreased appetite can be a side effect of many medications, including carbamazepine, but it is generally not immediately dangerous unless it leads to significant weight loss or nutritional deficiencies. It’s important but not the most urgent concern.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Methylprednisolone: Methylprednisolone is a corticosteroid used to reduce inflammation in the airways. While effective in managing asthma, it has a slower onset of action and is used for longer-term management rather than immediate relief in acute situations.
B. Montelukast: Montelukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist used for long-term control of asthma symptoms. It is not effective for immediate relief during an acute asthma attack because it takes time to exert its effects.
C. Albuterol: Albuterol is a short-acting beta-agonist that provides rapid bronchodilation. It is the first-line medication for immediate relief of bronchospasm during an acute asthma attack, making it the most appropriate choice for immediate administration.
D. Fluticasone: Fluticasone is an inhaled corticosteroid used for long-term asthma management and prevention of exacerbations. It is not suitable for immediate relief of an acute asthma attack as it does not act quickly enough to relieve bronchospasm.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.