A nurse is preparing to assist with an ocular irrigation for a client who had a chemical splash to the left eye. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?
Irrigate the affected eye from the inner corner toward the outer corner.
Sit the client up with their head turned toward the right side.
Place a strip of pH paper under the upper lid of the affected eye.
Irrigate the affected eye using sterile water.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Irrigating the affected eye from the inner corner toward the outer corner is the recommended method for ocular irrigation. This technique helps to flush out the chemical agent without risking further contamination to the other eye or nasal passages.
Choice B reason: Positioning the client sitting up with their head turned toward the right side is appropriate when irrigating the left eye. This position allows gravity to assist in the flow of the irrigation solution away from the unaffected eye, reducing the risk of cross-contamination.
Choice C reason: Placing a strip of pH paper under the upper lid of the affected eye is a critical step in ocular irrigation after a chemical splash. It is used to measure the pH of the ocular surface to ensure that the pH has normalized to a range between 7.0 and 7.2 after irrigation, indicating that the chemical has been adequately flushed out.
Choice D reason: Using sterile water for ocular irrigation is not recommended because it can cause osmotic imbalances and damage to the corneal cells. Instead, normal saline or balanced salt solutions are preferred as they are isotonic and more compatible with the physiological environment of the eye.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason : Muscle twitching can be indicative of hypocalcemia, a common and serious complication following a complete thyroidectomy due to potential damage or removal of the parathyroid glands. Hypocalcemia requires immediate intervention to prevent more severe symptoms such as tetany or cardiac complications.
Choice B reason : While nausea is a common postoperative symptom, it is not typically as urgent as signs of hypocalcemia. However, persistent nausea should still be addressed as it can affect the client's comfort and nutritional intake.
Choice C reason : Serosanguineous drainage is expected to some extent after surgery, but if it is excessive or changes in character, it may indicate hemorrhage or infection, which would then become a priority.
Choice D reason : Incisional pain is also expected postoperatively. While pain management is important for recovery, it is not as immediately concerning as potential hypocalcemia unless the pain is severe or uncontrolled, suggesting complications.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Pressing down on the orbital area of the eye is not a recommended method for eliciting a pain response due to the risk of causing injury to the eye.
Choice B reason: Pinching the trapezius muscle is a common and safe method to elicit a pain response in an unresponsive patient. It is less invasive and carries a lower risk of injury compared to other methods.
Choice C reason: Using a 25-gauge needle is not a standard practice for eliciting a pain response due to the risk of puncture and infection.
Choice D reason: Eliciting a reflex with a reflex hammer is used to assess neurological function, not to elicit a pain response in an unresponsive patient.
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