A nurse administers ear drops to a toddler and pulls the auricle down and back. The mother asks, "Why are you pulling the ear that way?" Which of the following explanations should the nurse provide?
"This is the safest and easiest way to administer this medication."
"When this technique is used, the toddler experiences less pain."
"This technique opens the ear canal, allowing medication to reach the inner ear region."
"When this technique is used, the medication will not run out of the ear."
The Correct Answer is C
A. "This is the safest and easiest way to administer this medication." While safety and ease are important, the primary reason for pulling the auricle down and back in toddlers is to properly align the ear canal for medication delivery, not just convenience or safety.
B. "When this technique is used, the toddler experiences less pain." Although proper technique can reduce discomfort, the main goal is to straighten the ear canal for better medication flow rather than directly reducing pain.
C. "This technique opens the ear canal, allowing medication to reach the inner ear region." Pulling the auricle down and back straightens the ear canal in toddlers and young children, which facilitates the medication’s access to the tympanic membrane and middle ear area, improving effectiveness.
D. "When this technique is used, the medication will not run out of the ear." Medication retention depends on administration and positioning after drops, but pulling the auricle down and back primarily helps open the canal.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","E"]
Explanation
A. Serve food in small, non-circular pieces: Infants are at high risk for choking due to underdeveloped chewing skills. Serving food in small, irregular-shaped pieces reduces the chance of airway obstruction and promotes safe self-feeding as the infant learns to eat solids.
B. Fit the mattress so that it is snug against the sides of the crib: A properly fitting crib mattress eliminates gaps that can trap an infant’s head or body, reducing the risk of suffocation or entrapment. This is a key for creating a safe sleep environment.
C. Set the water heater at 65.6° C (150° F): This temperature is too high and increases the risk of scald burns. The water heater should be set to 48.9° C (120° F) or lower to protect infants from accidental hot water burns during bathing or handwashing.
D. Install accordion style gates: Accordion-style gates pose a strangulation hazard due to the V-shaped openings and large gaps. Safety gates with vertical slats and no large openings are the recommended type for preventing falls while avoiding entrapment risks.
E. Tie plastic bags in knots before discarding them: Tying plastic bags prevents infants from placing them over their heads, reducing the risk of suffocation. Even after being discarded, bags can pose a danger if left loose and accessible to crawling or curious infants.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. "It is expected for children who are hospitalized to regress. The toileting skills will return when your child is feeling better." Hospitalization can be stressful and disruptive for children, often causing temporary regression Reassuring parents that this behavior is common and usually resolves as the child recovers helps reduce parental anxiety and supports understanding.
B. "Why does it bother you that your child has wet the bed?" This response may come across as confrontational or judgmental, potentially increasing the parent's distress rather than providing comfort or support during a vulnerable moment.
C. "I know this can really be embarrassing. I have kids myself, so I understand, and it doesn't bother me." While this statement shows empathy, it may unintentionally shift focus to the nurse’s experience rather than validating the parent’s feelings. A more supportive response addresses the child’s needs and parental concerns directly.
D. "Your child did not seem upset, so I wouldn't worry about it if I were you." Dismissing the parent's feelings about the situation may cause them to feel unheard or invalidated. Acknowledging the parent's emotions while providing reassurance is a more supportive approach.
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