The unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) tells the practical nurse (PN) that a resident of the long-term care facility is reporting eye pain and photophobia. The resident is being treated for bacterial conjunctivitis. Upon entering the resident's room, the PN observes that the UAP has darkened the room and placed a warm compress over the resident's eyes. Which action should the PN take?
Turn lights on in the room.
Remove the warm compress.
Elevate the head of the bed.
Offer an oral analgesic.
None
None
The Correct Answer is B
The correct answer is choice B. Remove the warm compress.
Choice A rationale:
Turning the lights on in the room would likely exacerbate the resident’s photophobia (sensitivity to light), causing more discomfort. Photophobia is a common symptom of bacterial conjunctivitis, and keeping the room dim can help alleviate this discomfort.
Choice B rationale:
Removing the warm compress is the correct action. Warm compresses can sometimes be used to relieve symptoms of conjunctivitis, but they are generally more appropriate for viral or allergic conjunctivitis. In the case of bacterial conjunctivitis, warm compresses can potentially worsen the infection by providing a warm, moist environment that promotes bacterial growth. Instead, a cool compress is often recommended to reduce inflammation and discomfort.
Choice C rationale:
Elevating the head of the bed can help reduce swelling and promote drainage, but it is not directly related to the immediate relief of eye pain and photophobia in bacterial conjunctivitis. This action might be more relevant for conditions involving fluid retention or respiratory issues.
Choice D rationale:
Offering an oral analgesic could help manage the resident’s pain, but it does not address the underlying issue of the warm compress potentially worsening the bacterial infection. Pain management is important, but it should be combined with appropriate measures to treat the infection and alleviate symptoms.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is choice C - IV infusion site is infiltrated. Choice A rationale:
The client reports feeling nauseous. While this symptom should be monitored, it is not the most crucial finding to report for a client in Addison's crisis. Nausea can be a common symptom during various medical conditions and may not warrant immediate action.
Choice B rationale:
Has not voided in four hours. While monitoring urine output is important, it may not be the most critical finding in Addison's crisis. Other symptoms like electrolyte imbalances and
circulatory collapse is more concerning in this scenario.
Choice C rationale:
IV infusion site is infiltrated. In Addison's crisis, the client's condition may be precarious, and any complications with IV therapy could worsen the situation. It is essential to report this finding promptly to prevent further complications.
Choice D rationale:
A serum glucose level of 85 mg/dL. While monitoring glucose levels is essential in many situations, a glucose level of 85 mg/dL is within the reference range, which means it is not the most critical finding in Addison's crisis.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is Choice D.
Choice A rationale: Enrolling the UAP in a hospital education class on conducting safe client care is not an immediate response and does not address the current situation. It may be a longer-term solution for ongoing education.
Choice B rationale: Praising the UAP for performing oral hygiene and encouraging family participation does not address the immediate safety concern of the procedure being performed correctly.
Choice C rationale: Telling the UAP to continue because the unconscious client is positioned safely is incorrect. The client should not be in a flat side-lying position as it increases the risk of aspiration during oral hygiene.
Choice D rationale: Stopping the procedure and telling the UAP to place the client in a Fowler's position is correct. The Fowler's position helps maintain an open airway and reduces the risk of aspiration during oral hygiene in an unconscious client.
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