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 A
Explanation
Observe how UAP obtains temperatures.
Choice A rationale:
The PN should first observe how the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) obtains temperatures using a tympanic thermometer. This step is essential to determine if there is an error in the technique or if the thermometer is malfunctioning. Correct technique and proper use of equipment are crucial to obtaining accurate and reliable temperature readings.
Choice B rationale:
While returning the thermometer for recalibration might be necessary if the thermometer is indeed faulty, it should not be the first action the PN takes. Observing the UAP's technique will help identify if the issue lies with the equipment or the individual's method.
Choice C rationale:
Demonstrating how to use the equipment might be helpful if the UAP is incorrectly using the thermometer. However, observing the UAP's technique first will help the PN identify if there is a need for retraining or recalibration.
Choice D rationale:
Showing the UAP how to chart temperatures is not the first priority when inconsistent readings are noted. Ensuring the accuracy of temperature measurements is essential for proper patient care and assessment.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is choice B: Culture for sensitive organisms.
- Choice A rationale:
- C-reactive protein level - C-reactive protein (CRP) is a blood test marker for inflammation in the body. While it could indicate an infection, it is not specific enough to identify the type of infection or the causative organism.
- Choice B rationale:
- Culture for sensitive organisms - When a wound has a moderate amount of yellow and green drainage and a foul odor, it is often a sign of a bacterial infection. A culture for sensitive organisms can help identify the specific bacteria causing the infection, which is crucial for determining the most effective treatment.
- Choice C rationale:
- Serum albumin - Serum albumin levels can indicate a person’s nutritional status. Low levels can slow wound healing, but they do not directly indicate the presence of an infection.
- Choice D rationale:
- Serum blood glucose (BG) level - High blood glucose levels can impair the immune response and slow wound healing, making a person more susceptible to infections. However, like CRP, it does not provide information about the specific organism causing the infection.
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