The nurse is providing discharge instructions to the caregiver of an infant with recurrent otitis media. Which statement made by the caregiver should the nurse recognize as needing additional education about minimizing subsequent infections?
Instill benzocaine otic drops regularly.
Avoid any smoking inside the house.
Give infant the full course of antibiotics.
Schedule visit for pneumococcal vaccine.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Instilling benzocaine otic drops regularly is not a recommended practice for preventing or treating otitis media. Benzocaine is a topical anesthetic that can temporarily relieve ear pain, but it does not address the underlying cause of the infection. Moreover, benzocaine can cause allergic reactions, skin irritation, or methemoglobinemia, a condition that reduces the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. The nurse should instruct the caregiver to avoid using benzocaine otic drops unless prescribed by a health care provider.
Choice B reason: Avoiding any smoking inside the house is a good practice for preventing otitis media. Smoking can irritate the respiratory tract and impair the function of the cilia, the hair-like structures that help clear mucus and bacteria from the middle ear. Smoking can also increase the risk of respiratory infections, allergies, and asthma, which are associated with otitis media. The nurse should praise the caregiver for avoiding smoking and encourage them to maintain a smoke-free environment for the infant.
Choice C reason: Giving the infant the full course of antibiotics is a necessary practice for treating otitis media. Antibiotics can help eliminate the bacteria that cause the infection and reduce the inflammation and pain in the middle ear. However, antibiotics should be used only when prescribed by a health care provider, and the caregiver should follow the instructions carefully. The nurse should remind the caregiver to give the infant the exact dose of antibiotics at the right time and for the entire duration of the treatment, even if the symptoms improve.
Choice D reason: Scheduling a visit for pneumococcal vaccine is a preventive measure for otitis media. Pneumococcal vaccine can protect the infant from the most common strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae, a bacterium that causes otitis media and other serious infections. The vaccine is recommended for all children under 2 years of age, and it is given in four doses at 2, 4, 6, and 12 to 15 months of age. The nurse should verify the infant's immunization status and advise the caregiver to follow the recommended schedule for the pneumococcal vaccine.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Giving prescribed intravenous antibiotics is not the first action that the nurse should take. Antibiotics are used to treat the infection and inflammation caused by appendicitis, but they are not enough to prevent the complications of a ruptured appendix. The nurse should administer the antibiotics as ordered, but only after notifying the healthcare provider of the change in the child's condition.
Choice B reason: Inquiring about the client's last meal is not the first action that the nurse should take. The last meal may be relevant for the preparation of the surgery, but it is not urgent or related to the sudden relief of pain. The nurse should ask about the last meal as part of the preoperative assessment, but only after contacting the healthcare provider.
Choice C reason: Contacting the healthcare provider is the first action that the nurse should take. Sudden relief of pain in a child with appendicitis may indicate a perforation or rupture of the appendix, which is a life-threatening emergency. The nurse should immediately report this finding to the healthcare provider, who may order additional tests or expedite the surgery.
Choice D reason: Documenting the client's relief of pain is not the first action that the nurse should take. Documentation is an important part of nursing care, but it is not a priority in this situation. The nurse should document the child's pain level, vital signs, and interventions, but only after contacting the healthcare provider and taking appropriate actions.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Chickenpox is not the most significant illness that may be associated with acute rheumatic fever. Chickenpox is a viral infection that causes an itchy rash and blisters. It is not caused by group A streptococcus (GAS) bacteria, which are the main trigger of acute rheumatic fever.
Choice B reason: Sore throat is the most significant illness that may be associated with acute rheumatic fever. Sore throat can be caused by GAS bacteria, which can also cause strep throat or scarlet fever. If these infections are not properly treated with antibiotics, they can lead to acute rheumatic fever, which is an inflammatory disease that can affect the heart, joints, skin, and brain.
Choice C reason: Mumps is not the most significant illness that may be associated with acute rheumatic fever. Mumps is a viral infection that causes swelling of the salivary glands. It is not caused by GAS bacteria, which are the main trigger of acute rheumatic fever.
Choice D reason: Influenza is not the most significant illness that may be associated with acute rheumatic fever. Influenza is a viral infection that causes fever, cough, sore throat, and muscle aches. It is not caused by GAS bacteria, which are the main trigger of acute rheumatic fever.
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