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 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.

Choice A rationale
If a patient is suspected of having meningitis, the provider will likely prescribe antibiotic therapy after reviewing the lab results. Meningitis is often caused by a bacterial infection, and antibiotics are the primary treatment. The specific antibiotic prescribed will depend on the type of bacteria causing the infection.
Choice B rationale
Antiemetics are medications that help prevent and treat nausea and vomiting. They are not typically used as the primary treatment for meningitis.
Choice C rationale

Analgesics are medications that relieve pain. While they may be used to help manage symptoms in a patient with meningitis, they are not used to treat the underlying infection.
Choice D rationale
Antiviral therapy may be used if the meningitis is caused by a viral infection. However, most cases of meningitis are caused by bacteria, and antibiotics are the primary treatment.