A nurse is preparing to irrigate an adult client's ear due to cerumen accumulation. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Pull the client's pinna down and back to apply the solution.
Perform the procedure using sterile gloves.
Administer the irrigation solution at room temperature to the ear
Apply a stream of pressure as long as the client can tolerate.
The Correct Answer is C
Rationale:
A. Pull the client's pinna down and back to apply the solution.: Pulling the pinna down and back is the correct technique for infants and young children due to the angle of the ear canal. For adults, the pinna should be pulled up and back to straighten the ear canal. Using the incorrect direction can prevent proper visualization and reduce effectiveness of the irrigation.
B. Perform the procedure using sterile gloves.: Ear irrigation is a clean procedure, not a sterile one. The external ear canal is not a sterile environment, and using sterile gloves does not reduce infection risk. Clean gloves provide adequate protection while maintaining proper hygiene during cerumen removal.
C. Administer the irrigation solution at room temperature to the ear.: Using a solution at room temperature prevents stimulation of the vestibular system, which can cause dizziness, nausea, and vertigo. A temperature-neutral solution promotes client comfort and reduces physiologic irritation while effectively helping soften and remove cerumen.
D. Apply a stream of pressure as long as the client can tolerate.: Using forceful or prolonged pressure can damage the tympanic membrane or push cerumen deeper into the canal. Irrigation should be done gently, allowing the solution to flow along the canal wall and stopping immediately if the client reports pain or dizziness to avoid injury.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Remind the client to eat scheduled meals daily.: As clients near the end of life, appetite naturally decreases due to metabolic changes and reduced physiologic demand. Encouraging scheduled meals can create discomfort or distress and does not improve outcomes. Supportive care focuses on comfort rather than forcing nutritional intake.
B. Place the client in a supine position.: A supine position can worsen respiratory effort, increase the sensation of breathlessness, and promote secretion pooling. Terminal clients often breathe more comfortably in semi-Fowler’s or side-lying positions, which help ease ventilation and support comfort-based care.
C. Offer the client a blanket to keep warm.: Clients at the end of life commonly experience decreased body temperature due to reduced circulation and metabolic slowing. Gently providing a blanket supports comfort without invasive measures. Maintaining warmth helps ease physical distress and aligns with palliative goals focused on dignity and relief.
D. Speak in a loud tone when addressing the client.: Hearing is often the last sense to diminish, so speaking loudly is unnecessary and may startle or distress the client. A calm, soft voice preserves a peaceful environment and promotes emotional comfort, supporting both the client and family during end-of-life care.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Rationale:
A. "Using this machine increases my risk of overdose.": PCA pumps are designed with safety features, including dose limits and lockout intervals, which reduce the risk of overdose. Understanding this helps the client recognize that PCA is a safe method for self-administered pain control when used correctly.
B. “I can get pain medication any time as long as I press the button”: The client can only receive medication according to the programmed dose and lockout interval. Pressing the button repeatedly will not override the safety mechanism, so this reflects a misunderstanding of how PCA pumps function.
C. "My partner can press my pain medication button for me if I am sleeping": PCA pumps are intended for self-administration only. Allowing someone else to press the button (a practice called “PCA by proxy”) can cause overdose and is unsafe, especially if the client is sleeping or sedated.
D. "I will receive a limited amount of pain medication when I press the button.": PCA pumps deliver a preset dose with a lockout interval to prevent overdose. This statement shows the client understands the safety mechanisms in place, indicating correct comprehension of PCA use.
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