The nurse notices a yellow stain around fluid dripping from a patient’s ear who sustained a traumatic brain injury. The nurse's priority intervention will be as follows:

prevent the drainage by applying a tight pressure dressing

administer antibiotics due to increased risk of infection

allow fluid to drain from the patient's car onto gauze and notify

hang intravenous (IV) fluids to replace fluids lost and prevent dehydration

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A) Prevent the drainage by applying a tight pressure dressing:
Applying a tight pressure dressing is not the appropriate intervention in this case. The presence of fluid draining from the ear, particularly a yellow stain, could indicate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage, which is a potential sign of a skull fracture or traumatic brain injury (TBI) involving the base of the skull. Applying a tight pressure dressing could potentially increase pressure or cause further injury.

B) Administer antibiotics due to increased risk of infection:
While there is an increased risk of infection with a CSF leak, antibiotics should not be administered immediately unless there is clear evidence of an infection. The priority action is to identify whether the fluid is CSF, as antibiotics alone will not address the underlying issue of a CSF leak. The nurse should allow the fluid to drain, collect a sample, and notify the healthcare provider for further assessment, which may include imaging or testing for the presence of CSF.

C) Allow fluid to drain from the patient's ear onto gauze and notify the healthcare provider:
The yellow stain around the fluid dripping from the patient's ear suggests the possibility of CSF leakage, a sign of a skull base fracture. CSF leakage may occur after a traumatic brain injury and should be handled carefully. The nurse's priority action is to allow the fluid to drain onto gauze to prevent the buildup of pressure and to prevent further leakage into the ear canal. The nurse should also immediately notify the healthcare provider for further evaluation and management.

D) Hang intravenous (IV) fluids to replace fluids lost and prevent dehydration:
While IV fluids may be necessary in some cases for patients with trauma, the priority in this situation is to identify the source and nature of the drainage. If the fluid is CSF, it may be important to manage the leak appropriately rather than focusing solely on replacing fluids. The nurse should first confirm whether the fluid is CSF and notify the healthcare provider for further assessment and management. Replacing fluids may be necessary, but it is not the immediate priority.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A) Avoid use of the microwave for three months:
Microwaves do not interfere with pacemaker function. Modern pacemakers are designed to be resistant to electromagnetic interference from household devices like microwaves. Therefore, there is no need to avoid microwave use. The nurse should focus on other areas of safety that are more pertinent to the functioning of the pacemaker.

B) Use cellular phone sparingly:
Cellular phones generally do not interfere with the operation of most modern pacemakers. The nurse may advise the client to avoid holding a mobile phone directly over the pacemaker (i.e., on the chest) for prolonged periods, but there is no need to avoid using the phone entirely. Current guidelines suggest using the phone on the opposite ear from the side of the pacemaker if concerned, but the phone itself does not pose a significant risk.

C) Resume outdoor activities in two days:
Although outdoor activities may be safe after some time, the client should avoid strenuous physical activity or exercise for a period after receiving a pacemaker. The recommended rest period after pacemaker placement typically ranges from several days to a few weeks, depending on the individual and the procedure. However, resuming outdoor activities like walking or mild exercise is often appropriate earlier than two days, but not in all cases, and should be guided by the healthcare provider.

D) No heavy lifting for two months:
After the insertion of a biventricular pacemaker (which is often used in cases of heart failure), the patient should avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities for at least 6-8 weeks to allow the lead wires to properly stabilize within the heart and to reduce the risk of dislodging the pacemaker leads. Lifting objects heavier than 10-15 pounds (4.5-7 kg) can strain the chest muscles and disrupt pacemaker lead placement.

A. Start fluid resuscitation and prepare for transport co a Burn Center B. Apply petroleum based antibiotic cream to the affected areas C. Cover the burns with saline soaked gauze and medicated ointment D. Clean the wounds with soap and room temperature water

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A) Start fluid resuscitation and prepare for transport to a Burn Center:
In this case, the patient has burns that cover 27% of the total body surface area (TBSA), which falls within the moderate to severe range for burn injuries. Fluid resuscitation is critical to prevent hypovolemic shock, a common complication of severe burns due to fluid loss. The "rule of nines" or Lund-Browder chart can be used to calculate the amount of fluids needed. The patient should also be prepared for transport to a specialized burn center, where advanced care can be provided for wound management, infection prevention, and long-term rehabilitation.

B) Apply petroleum-based antibiotic cream to the affected areas:
Although topical antibiotics are an essential part of burn care to prevent infection, petroleum-based ointments are typically not recommended in the emergent phase of burn management. Applying such creams could potentially trap heat and cause further tissue damage, and petroleum-based products can be occlusive, which may interfere with wound healing.
C) Cover the burns with saline-soaked gauze and medicated ointment:
While it is important to keep burns covered to prevent infection, the use of saline-soaked gauze and medicated ointments are more appropriate after initial fluid resuscitation and stabilization of the patient. Immediate burn care focuses on preventing further injury and initiating fluid resuscitation. Saline-soaked gauze is typically used in a controlled setting, like in a burn unit, and the patient's wounds should not be excessively covered with ointment during the emergent phase.

D) Clean the wounds with soap and room temperature water:
In burn management, cleaning the wounds with soap and water can disrupt the skin's protective barrier, particularly in the emergent phase. It is important to gently clean the wounds with sterile saline or an antiseptic solution and avoid harsh cleansers. Soap and water might cause irritation, exacerbate pain, and increase the risk of infection. The focus should be on stabilizing the patient and initiating proper wound management with sterile techniques.

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The nurse notices a yellow stain around fluid dripping from a patient’s ear who sustained a traumatic brain injury. The nurse's priority intervention will be as follows:

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is caring for a client with a permanent biventricular pacemaker. What should the nurse include in the discharge teaching?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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