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 B
Explanation
This is the greatest health risk for this client because he is likely to inject cocaine and heroin intravenously and share needles with other drug users, which can transmit blood-borne infections such as hepatitis B or C. Hepatitis can cause liver inflammation, cirrhosis, or cancer and may be fatal if untreated.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
PVCs are abnormal heartbeats that occur when a ventricle contracts earlier than expected. They can indicate electrolyte imbalance, such as hypokalemia, which can result from NG suctioning. The PN should report this finding to the healthcare provider, as it may require treatment or adjustment of the suctioning.
The other options are not correct because:
A. Hyperactive bowel sounds on assessment may indicate increased peristalsis or bowel obstruction, but they are not related to the client's symptoms or NG suctioning.
C. Hypoactive bowel sounds on assessment may indicate decreased peristalsis or ileus, which are expected after bowel surgery and do not require immediate intervention.
D. Regular heart rate of 100 beats per minute on telemetry may indicate tachycardia, which can have various causes, but it is not as concerning as PVCs in this context.
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