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A nurse is preparing to perform an irrigation to remove a buildup of cerumen from a client's ear. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A.

Aim the stream of water directly at the cerumen impaction.

B.

Use cool water to flush the cerumen from the ear canal.

C.

Instill cerumen-softening drops before the irrigation.

D.

Remind the client to use a cotton swab periodically to remove cerumen.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. Aim the stream of water directly at the cerumen impaction:
This may injure the tympanic membrane. Irrigation should be directed at the superior wall of the canal.

B. Use cool water to flush the cerumen from the ear canal:
Cool water can cause dizziness or nausea due to stimulation of the vestibular system. Body-temperature water is preferred.

C. Instill cerumen-softening drops before the irrigation:
Softening the cerumen (e.g., with mineral oil or hydrogen peroxide solution) makes irrigation more effective and comfortable.

D. Remind the client to use a cotton swab periodically to remove cerumen:
Cotton swabs can push cerumen deeper and risk damage to the ear canal or drum.


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Flush the tube with 30 mL of water after each feeding.
Prevents clogging and maintains tube patency.

B. Check the gastric residual every 8 hr.
For intermittent feedings, residual should be checked before each feeding.

C. Change the feeding bag every 36 hr.
Feeding bags should be changed every 24 hours to prevent bacterial contamination.

D. Keep the head of the bed elevated 15° during the feeding.
The head should be elevated at least 30–45° to reduce aspiration risk.

Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"B"},"B":{"answers":"A"},"C":{"answers":"A"},"D":{"answers":"A"},"E":{"answers":"A"}}

Explanation

Potential Prescription

Anticipated

Contraindicated

Rationale:

Cervical cerclage

✅

Used for incompetent cervix, not for ectopic pregnancy.

Methotrexate IM

✅

Used for unruptured ectopic pregnancy to stop cell growth

Blood typing

✅

Necessary to determine Rh status in case Rh immune globulin is needed.

Transvaginal ultrasound

✅

Needed to locate pregnancy, rule out ectopic implantation.

Repeat quantitative ẞ-hCG level

✅

Used to monitor pregnancy progression and response to treatment.

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