Which of the following findings requires further action by the nurse? Select all that apply.
Lung assessment
Vertigo
Facial nerve assessment
Pain rating
Diminished hearing
Pupils
Correct Answer : B,C,D,E
- Lung assessment: The client's lungs are clear bilaterally with no signs of respiratory distress or abnormal breath sounds. There is no indication of pulmonary complications, so no further immediate action is needed regarding the lung assessment.
- Vertigo: Vertigo is a common complication following a stapedectomy due to disturbance of the inner ear structures. However, it still requires monitoring because severe or worsening vertigo can increase the risk of falls and indicate inner ear trauma or dysfunction.
- Facial nerve assessment: The presence of left facial droop and asymmetrical smile indicates possible injury to the facial nerve during surgery. This finding is abnormal and requires immediate provider notification for further neurological evaluation and management.
- Pain rating: A pain rating of 5 out of 10 is moderate and, following ear surgery, it should be addressed. Proper pain control is important not only for comfort but also to reduce the risk of increased intracranial pressure from straining or agitation.
- Diminished hearing: Some decrease in hearing can occur temporarily after a stapedectomy due to packing or swelling, but it still needs further monitoring. Persistent or worsening hearing loss could suggest a surgical complication, such as prosthesis dislocation.
- Pupils: The pupils are equal, smaller postoperatively but still reactive to light, which is expected following anesthesia and is not concerning. No immediate intervention is necessary based on pupil assessment findings.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Active movement is present: The presence of active movement in the fingers and toes of the affected arm indicates that nerve and muscle function are intact, which is a positive finding. It indicates there is no impairment in function of the affected arm.
B. Pain is 4 on scale of 0 to 10: A pain level of 4 is moderate pain and might be expected after a fracture. As long as pain is being managed appropriately with prescribed medications and no other concerning symptoms are present, it does not necessarily require immediate reporting.
C. Capillary refill is less than 2 seconds: A capillary refill time of less than 2 seconds is normal. This suggests good blood flow to the affected arm and is not an issue that needs reporting.
D. Skin is cool to the touch: A cool skin temperature on the affected arm could indicate impaired circulation, possibly due to swelling or tightness of the cast, which could lead to compartment syndrome—a serious condition that requires immediate intervention. Therefore, this finding should be reported to the provider immediately.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Erythema: Erythema, or redness, is more commonly associated with phlebitis, an inflammation of the vein, rather than infiltration. While some redness may occur, it is not the primary or expected finding when infiltration is present.
B. Blood: The presence of blood at the insertion site may indicate a bleeding or hematoma issue but is not a typical sign of infiltration. Infiltration involves fluid, usually IV solution, leaking into surrounding tissue, not blood leaking out of the vein.
C. Edema: Edema at the insertion site is a hallmark sign of infiltration. When IV fluid escapes into the surrounding tissue instead of remaining in the vein, it causes localized swelling, coolness, and often discomfort or tightness around the insertion area.
D. Pruritus: Pruritus, or itching, is not a typical manifestation of infiltration. It may be seen with allergic reactions to IV medications or materials, but infiltration primarily presents with swelling, coolness, and sometimes blanching of the skin.
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