A patient is being evaluated for hearing loss. The doctor is unable to examine the tympanic membrane due to a blockage caused by cerumen. What actions can the nurse take to allow for an examination?

Choice A rationale
Analgesics can be used to manage pain associated with Bell’s palsy. Therefore, this statement does not indicate a need for further education.
Choice B rationale

This is the correct answer. Chewing on the affected side can actually exacerbate swallowing issues. Therefore, this statement indicates a need for further education.
Choice C rationale
Brushing teeth should not be affected by Bell’s palsy. Therefore, this statement does not indicate a need for further education.
Choice D rationale
Applying a protective eye shield before going to bed is a recommended practice for patients with Bell’s palsy. This helps to protect the eye from injury and keep it moist, as Bell’s palsy can cause difficulty in blinking or closing the eye.

Choice D rationale
When assessing a patient with an altered level of consciousness, the nurse’s initial action should be to assess the patient’s response to pain. This is a fundamental part of the neurological examination and can provide valuable information about the patient’s level of consciousness and neurological function. Pain response can be assessed by applying a painful stimulus, such as a pinch, and observing the patient’s reaction.
Choice A rationale
Assessing the patient’s ability to follow complex commands is an important part of the neurological examination, but it is not typically the initial action when assessing a patient with an altered level of consciousness. This assessment requires a higher level of cognitive function and may not be possible in a patient with significantly altered consciousness.
Choice B rationale
Assessing the patient’s judgment is an important part of the mental status examination, but it is not typically the initial action when assessing a patient with an altered level of consciousness. Like the ability to follow complex commands, judgment requires a higher level of cognitive function and may not be assessable in a patient with significantly altered consciousness.

Choice C rationale
Assessing the patient’s verbal response is an important part of the neurological examination, but it is not typically the initial action when assessing a patient with an altered level of consciousness. The patient’s ability to speak and the content of their speech can provide important information about their neurological function, but this assessment may not be possible in a patient with significantly altered consciousness.