The nurse is preparing discharge teaching for a client with Bell's Palsy. Which of the following is most important to include in the teaching? [Select all that apply)
Stop taking, ordered corticosteroid once symptoms resolve.
Apply warm compresses to the affected several times a day.
Cover the affected eye with eye eye protective shield or patch at night.
Chew food only on the affected side.
Place artificial tears or lubricant to help decrease dryness in the eyes
Correct Answer : B,C,E
A) Stop taking ordered corticosteroid once symptoms resolve:
Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, are commonly prescribed to reduce inflammation in Bell’s Palsy, especially during the acute phase. However, it is important to complete the full course of corticosteroids as prescribed, even if symptoms improve. Abruptly stopping corticosteroids can lead to rebound inflammation and potentially worsen the condition.
B) Apply warm compresses to the affected area several times a day:
Warm compresses can help to reduce pain and inflammation in the affected side of the face. Applying them several times a day can also help improve circulation and ease the discomfort associated with Bell's Palsy. This is a recommended self-care strategy that can help provide relief and improve overall comfort for the client during recovery.
C) Cover the affected eye with an eye protective shield or patch at night:
Bell's Palsy can lead to paralysis of the facial muscles, which may make it difficult for the client to fully close the eyelid on the affected side, leaving the eye vulnerable to dryness and injury. Covering the eye with a protective shield or patch at night helps prevent corneal damage and protects the eye from exposure during sleep. This is an essential part of eye care for a client with Bell’s Palsy to prevent complications.
D) Chew food only on the affected side:
There is no medical recommendation to limit chewing to the unaffected side. In fact, clients should be encouraged to use both sides of their mouth for chewing to prevent muscle atrophy and maintain function. There is no evidence to support that chewing food only on the affected side provides any benefit.
E) Place artificial tears or lubricant to help decrease dryness in the eyes:
Since Bell's Palsy can impair the ability to close the eyelid fully, this can lead to dryness and potential corneal damage on the affected side. Artificial tears or lubricating eye drops should be used regularly to moisturize the eye and prevent complications such as corneal ulcers or abrasions.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Inability to void:
While urinary retention or difficulties with voiding can occur in ALS patients due to weakened muscles affecting the bladder, it is not the most immediate or life-threatening symptom that requires urgent attention. ALS primarily affects motor neurons and the voluntary muscles, and while autonomic dysfunction can lead to bladder or bowel issues, these are typically not the first concern in the acute phase of ALS unless they are severe.
B) Unable to eat without thickening meals:
Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) is a common symptom in ALS, especially as the disease progresses and affects the muscles of the throat. While this symptom is important to address, it is manageable with interventions like speech therapy, modified diets, and thickened liquids
C) Loss of function in the lower extremity:
Loss of function in the lower extremities is a hallmark symptom of ALS as the disease progresses, but it is not an acute or life-threatening situation on its own. ALS leads to gradual muscle weakness and atrophy, particularly affecting voluntary motor functions.
D) Difficulty breathing:
As ALS progresses, respiratory muscles, including the diaphragm and intercostal muscles, weaken, which can lead to respiratory failure. The inability to breathe adequately can be life-threatening and may require interventions like mechanical ventilation, non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (BiPAP), or even a tracheostomy.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Take the medication with meals:
Inhaled beclomethasone is a corticosteroid, and it is generally not necessary to take it with meals. Oral corticosteroids are sometimes taken with meals to minimize gastric irritation, but this does not apply to inhaled corticosteroids like beclomethasone. The primary concern with inhaled corticosteroids is not related to meal timing but to oral hygiene to prevent side effects like oral thrush.
B) Limit caffeine intake:
There is no direct contraindication or requirement to limit caffeine intake when taking inhaled beclomethasone. While caffeine can have mild bronchodilatory effects, it does not interfere with the action of beclomethasone or exacerbate asthma symptoms. This is not a priority teaching point for the patient.
C) Rinse the mouth after administration:
One of the most important teaching points when using inhaled beclomethasone is to rinse the mouth after each use. This helps to prevent oral thrush (a fungal infection caused by Candida), which is a common side effect of inhaled corticosteroids. Rinsing the mouth with water after administration helps to remove any leftover medication and reduce the risk of infection, making this the most important instruction.
D) Check the pulse before and after medication administration:
While checking the pulse is important for some medications, such as bronchodilators like albuterol, it is not necessary for inhaled beclomethasone. Beclomethasone is a corticosteroid that primarily works by reducing inflammation in the airways, and it does not have a significant impact on heart rate. Therefore, it is not required to monitor pulse before and after its use.
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