A nurse in a provider's office is caring for a client who has blepharitis. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Reinforce teaching with the client about proper instillation of antibiotic eye drops.
Apply warm compresses to the affected eye.
Dim the lights in the client examination room.
Inspect the eyes for drainage or redness.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: This is an important action, but not the first one. The nurse should first address the client's comfort and inflammation before teaching them how to use the eye drops.
Choice B reason: Option B (warm compresses) is a key intervention for blepharitis to improve meibomian gland function and reduce crusting. However, assessment (Option D) must precede treatment to ensure no contraindications (e.g., corneal abrasion) and tailor care appropriately.
Choice C reason: This is a helpful action, but not the first one. The nurse should first apply warm compresses to the affected eye, and then dim the lights to reduce the sensitivity and pain.
Choice D reason: The first step in the nursing process is assessment. Even with a diagnosis of blepharitis, the nurse must inspect the eyes to evaluate the current severity, presence of drainage (e.g., purulent vs. serous), redness, or signs of secondary infection (e.g., bacterial involvement). This informs subsequent interventions.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: A client who has BPH and reports dysuria is not the highest priority, because dysuria is a common symptom of BPH and does not indicate an acute complication. The nurse should monitor the client's urinary output and provide comfort measures.
Choice B reason: A client who has ulcerative colitis and reports diarrhea is not the highest priority, because diarrhea is a chronic symptom of ulcerative colitis and does not indicate an acute complication. The nurse should assess the client's hydration status and electrolyte levels and administer medications as prescribed.
Choice C reason: A client who has emphysema and reports dyspnea is the highest priority, because dyspnea is a sign of respiratory distress and can indicate an acute exacerbation of emphysema. The nurse should assess the client's oxygen saturation and respiratory rate and administer oxygen therapy as prescribed.
Choice D reason: A client who has esophageal cancer and reports painful swallowing is not the highest priority, because painful swallowing is a common symptom of esophageal cancer and does not indicate an acute complication. The nurse should provide the client with soft or liquid foods and administer analgesics as prescribed.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is an incorrect intervention, because ambulating the client every 1 hr can increase the oxygen demand and worsen the sickling of the red blood cells.
Choice B reason: This is an incorrect intervention, because applying cold compresses to painful joints can cause vasoconstriction and reduce the blood flow to the affected areas.
Choice C reason: This is an incorrect intervention, because withholding opioids until the crisis is resolved can cause unnecessary suffering and increase the stress response, which can trigger more sickling.
Choice D reason: This is the correct intervention, because administering oxygen via nasal cannula can improve the oxygen saturation and prevent further sickling of the red blood cells.
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.