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?
Instill mineral oil into the canal and immediately irrigate to remove the impacted wax.
Instill a small amount of mineral oil into the canal, then have the patient return in 30 minutes for wax removal.
Irrigate the ear with cold water until all the wax is removed.
Irrigate the ear with warm water and a high amount of otic pressure.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
Instilling mineral oil into the canal and immediately irrigating to remove the impacted wax is not typically recommended. This approach may not allow enough time for the mineral oil to soften the cerumen, making it more difficult to remove and potentially causing discomfort or injury.
Choice B rationale
Instilling a small amount of mineral oil into the canal, then having the patient return in 30 minutes for wax removal is a common and effective method for managing cerumen impaction. The mineral oil helps to soften the cerumen, making it easier to remove through irrigation.
Choice C rationale
Irrigating the ear with cold water is not typically recommended. Cold water can cause discomfort and potentially lead to vertigo.
Choice D rationale
Irrigating the ear with warm water and a high amount of otic pressure is not typically recommended. High pressure can potentially damage the ear canal or tympanic membrane.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice C rationale
When providing care for a comatose patient, a nurse should evaluate motor responses by observing the patient’s response to painful stimuli. This can be done by applying a painful stimulus, such as a trapezius pinch or nailbed pressure, and observing the patient’s motor response. Purposeful or semi-purposeful movements, such as localizing or withdrawing from pain, can provide valuable information about the patient’s level of consciousness and neurological function.
Choice A rationale
The Romberg test is used to evaluate balance and is not typically used to evaluate motor responses in a comatose patient.
Choice B rationale
Assessing the patient’s sensitivity to temperature and touch can provide information about sensory function, but it does not directly evaluate motor responses.
Choice D rationale
Observing the reaction of pupils to light can provide information about cranial nerve function, but it does not directly evaluate motor responses.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
The Rinne test is a hearing test used to evaluate the difference between sound transmission through air conduction versus bone conduction. It is not typically used following a Romberg test, which evaluates balance.
Choice B rationale
While ensuring the patient’s safety is always important, repositioning the client supine is not the typical response to slight swaying during a Romberg test.
Choice C rationale
Slight swaying during a Romberg test is considered normal. Therefore, documenting successful completion of the assessment would be the appropriate action.
Choice D rationale
A referral to a neurologist is not typically necessary for slight swaying during a Romberg test, as this is considered within normal limits.
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