When planning care for a client with an inner ear infection, the nurse will need to include interventions for which of the following potential problems?
Vertigo
Rhinorrhea
Fever
Headache
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A Reason:
Vertigo is a common complication associated with inner ear infections, such as labyrinthitis or vestibular neuritis. The inner ear is responsible for balance, and when it is infected, it can lead to a sensation of spinning or dizziness. Interventions may include medications like meclizine or dimenhydrinate to alleviate symptoms, as well as safety measures to prevent falls.
Choice B Reason:
Rhinorrhea, or a runny nose, is not typically a direct complication of an inner ear infection. It may be associated with upper respiratory infections that can precede or accompany an ear infection but is not a result of the inner ear infection itself.
Choice C Reason:
Fever may be present if the inner ear infection is part of a systemic infection, such as the flu or bacterial meningitis. However, fever is not a direct result of an isolated inner ear infection. If fever is present, the nurse should monitor the patient's temperature and may administer antipyretics as ordered.
Choice D Reason:
Headache can be a symptom experienced by individuals with inner ear infections due to the general discomfort and pressure changes in the ear. However, it is not as specific or as common as vertigo when it comes to inner ear infections. If headaches are present, pain management strategies can be included in the care plan.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
A formal hearing test, or audiometry, is the most comprehensive method for assessing hearing loss, which can be a side effect of ototoxic medications. These tests can detect both conductive and sensorineural hearing loss, providing a detailed profile of hearing function across different frequencies. For clients receiving ototoxic antibiotics, regular monitoring through formal hearing tests is recommended to detect any early signs of hearing impairment and to implement timely interventions.
Choice B reason:
The rubbing fingers test is a rudimentary hearing screening method where the examiner rubs their fingers together near the patient's ear, asking them to indicate when they hear the sound. While this test can be used as a quick check for hearing loss, it is not as sensitive or specific as formal audiometry and may not detect early or mild hearing loss caused by ototoxic drugs.
Choice C reason:
Tuning fork tests, such as the Weber and Rinne tests, are used to differentiate between conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. These tests can be useful in a clinical setting to provide immediate information about the type of hearing loss; however, they are not as comprehensive as formal hearing tests and may not be sufficient for monitoring ototoxicity.
Choice D reason:
The whisper hearing test involves the examiner whispering words or numbers and asking the patient to repeat them. This test can be useful for detecting significant hearing loss but may not be sensitive enough to detect the early stages of ototoxicity. Moreover, the test's accuracy can be affected by the examiner's voice level and the testing environment.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Tracheal sounds are harsh, high-pitched breath sounds typically heard over the trachea in the neck. They are not expected to be heard over the peripheral lung fields of a young adult during a routine lung auscultation.
Choice B Reason:
Vesicular breath sounds are the normal sounds heard over most of the lung fields. They are characterized by a soft, low-pitched, rustling sound during inhalation and are softer during exhalation. These sounds are created by air moving through the smaller airways such as the bronchioles and alveoli.
Choice C Reason:
Bronchovesicular sounds are heard over the major bronchi and are characterized by a moderate pitch and intensity. They are typically heard between the first and second intercostal spaces at the sternal border anteriorly and between the scapulae posteriorly, not over most of the lung fields.
Choice D Reason:
Bronchial breath sounds are high-pitched and louder than vesicular sounds, with a hollow quality, and are normally heard over the manubrium. If heard over the peripheral lung fields, they may indicate lung consolidation or other abnormalities.
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