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 A
Explanation
A. Maintain night splints to the affected joint: Night splints help maintain joint position and function during sleep, preventing contractures and deformities. This is a common intervention in managing juvenile rheumatoid arthritis to ensure proper joint alignment and minimize pain and stiffness.
B. Encourage the child to take daytime naps: Daytime naps can lead to prolonged periods of immobility, which may increase stiffness and pain in joints. Maintaining regular activity and exercise is usually recommended to preserve joint function.
C. Administer opioids on a schedule: Opioids are not typically first-line treatment for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis due to potential side effects and risk of dependence. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are more commonly used.
D. Apply cool compresses for 20 min every hour: Cool compresses may provide temporary relief for acute joint pain but are not recommended on a regular schedule due to risk of skin damage and reduced joint flexibility. Heat application is more commonly used for chronic pain relief in arthritis.
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.
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