While administering ear drops to a toddler, a nurse by pulls the auricle down and back. The mother asks, "Why are you pulling the ear that way?" Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
"When I use this technique the medication will not run out of the ear."
“This opens the ear canal, allowing medication to reach the inner ear region.”
“This is the safest and easiest way to administer this medication.”
“When I use the technique, your child experiences less pain.”
The Correct Answer is B
A. "When I use this technique the medication will not run out of the ear."
This explanation is not entirely accurate. While pulling the auricle down and back may help prevent ear drops from immediately dripping out of the ear, the primary purpose of this technique is to straighten the ear canal, facilitating the passage of the medication into the inner ear region for optimal effectiveness. The prevention of medication runoff is a secondary benefit.
B. “This opens the ear canal, allowing medication to reach the inner ear region.”
This explanation is correct. Pulling the auricle down and back helps to straighten the ear canal, making it easier for the ear drops to enter the ear canal and reach the inner ear where they can effectively treat the condition. This is the main purpose of using this technique.
C. “This is the safest and easiest way to administer this medication.”
While pulling the auricle down and back is a commonly used technique for administering ear drops, describing it as the safest and easiest way may not fully capture its purpose. Safety and ease of administration are important considerations, but the primary rationale for this technique is to facilitate the delivery of medication to the inner ear.
D. “When I use the technique, your child experiences less pain.”
This explanation is inaccurate. Pulling the auricle down and back may not directly reduce pain. The main purpose of this technique is to ensure that the medication reaches the inner ear region for effective treatment. While discomfort during administration may be minimized with proper technique, the primary focus is on medication delivery rather than pain reduction.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. A 45-degree head elevation: This position can help facilitate venous drainage and reduce intracranial pressure. Elevating the head of the bed may aid in preventing the accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain, which is important after VP shunt insertion to maintain proper drainage. However, this position alone may not be sufficient.
B. On the nonoperative side: Placing the child on the nonoperative side can help reduce pressure on the side where the shunt was inserted, minimizing discomfort and the risk of disruption or displacement of the shunt. However, this position may not directly affect CSF drainage.
C. Prone: Placing the child prone (lying face down) is generally not recommended after VP shunt insertion. This position may increase pressure on the head and interfere with proper CSF drainage, potentially leading to complications.
D. Supine: Placing the child supine (lying on their back) is typically recommended after VP shunt insertion. This position helps promote proper drainage of CSF through the shunt system without placing undue pressure on the surgical site. It also allows for easy monitoring of the child's condition and surgical site.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Obtain a throat culture.
This option is not appropriate as a primary nursing action in the acute management of epiglottitis. While obtaining a throat culture may be necessary for diagnostic purposes, it is not a priority in the immediate care of a child with suspected epiglottitis. The focus should be on ensuring airway patency and providing emergency treatment.
B. Visualize the epiglottis using a tongue depressor.
This option is contraindicated in the acute management of epiglottitis. Direct visualization of the epiglottis using a tongue depressor or other instruments can provoke spasm of the epiglottis and worsen airway obstruction. Attempting to visualize the epiglottis should be avoided until the child's airway has been secured in a controlled environment, such as in the operating room under anesthesia.
C. Provide moist air to reduce the inflammation of the epiglottis.
This option is appropriate. Providing moist air, such as humidified oxygen or a cool mist, can help soothe the inflamed tissues of the epiglottis and upper airway. Moist air may help alleviate discomfort and reduce inflammation, although it will not directly address the risk of airway obstruction. It is often used as supportive therapy in conjunction with other interventions.
D. Initiate airborne precautions.
This option is not necessary for the care of a child with epiglottitis. Epiglottitis is not typically transmitted through airborne droplets. The priority in the management of epiglottitis is ensuring a patent airway and providing appropriate treatment to reduce inflammation and prevent complications.
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