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. Notifying the caregiver of the findings: If the caregiver is potentially involved in abuse or neglect, informing them directly could put the client at further risk. The nurse must follow appropriate reporting channels rather than confront the caregiver.
B. Including findings during hand-off report: While communication during hand-off is important for continuity of care, it does not fulfill the nurse’s legal obligation to formally report suspected abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities.
C. Documenting suspicions in the client's medical record: Accurate and objective documentation of findings is important, but simply recording observations in the medical record does not meet the legal responsibility to report suspected abuse.
D. Reporting findings to social services: Nurses are mandated reporters and must legally report suspected abuse or neglect to the appropriate protective services. Reporting ensures that an investigation can occur to protect the client from further harm.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Pain radiating down the left arm: Pain radiating to the left arm is more commonly associated with myocardial infarction (heart attack), not a transient ischemic attack (TIA). It indicates cardiac ischemia rather than a temporary disruption in cerebral blood flow.
B. Seizure activity: Seizures are not characteristic of transient ischemic attacks. While seizures can occur after significant brain injury such as a stroke, TIAs typically present with focal neurological deficits that resolve quickly without leading to seizure activity.
C. Sudden loss of vision in one eye: A sudden, temporary loss of vision in one eye (amaurosis fugax) is a classic sign of a TIA. It reflects temporary ischemia in the retinal or cerebral blood vessels and warrants immediate medical evaluation to prevent a full-blown stroke.
D. Epigastric pain: Epigastric pain is usually related to gastrointestinal issues such as gastritis, ulcers, or gallbladder disease. It is not indicative of a transient ischemic attack and would not typically be prioritized in assessing for neurological compromise.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
