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: This is an incorrect action, because covering the insertion site with a hydrocolloid dressing can prevent air from escaping and cause a subcutaneous emphysema, which is a complication of chest tube removal. The insertion site should be covered with a sterile gauze dressing and taped on three sides.
Choice B reason: This is an important action, but not the first one. The nurse should provide pain medication before removal, not immediately after, to reduce the discomfort and anxiety of the client.
Choice C reason: This is the correct action, because auscultating the lungs after removal can help assess the respiratory status and detect any signs of pneumothorax, such as diminished or absent breath sounds.
Choice D reason: This is an incorrect action, because delegating removal of the chest tube to an AP is beyond the scope of practice and can cause harm to the client. The removal of the chest tube should be performed by the nurse or the provider.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is an important action, but not the first one. The nurse should obtain the prescribed irrigation solution after assessing the client's pain level and providing analgesia if needed.
Choice B reason: This is an important action, but not the first one. The nurse should don personal protective equipment after assessing the client's pain level and providing analgesia if needed.
Choice C reason: This is the correct action, because checking the client's pain level is the first step in the wound care process. The nurse should assess the client's pain level using a valid and reliable pain scale, and administer analgesia as prescribed before irrigating the wound.
Choice D reason: This is an important action, but not the first one. The nurse should place a waterproof pad under the client's extremity after assessing the client's pain level and providing analgesia if needed.
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