A nurse is instilling otic drops into an 18-month-old child's ears. Which of the following methods should the nurse use?
Pull the pinna down and back.
Insert the dropper into the ear canal.
Administer the ear drops at 5.5° C (42° F).
Massage the area behind the ear.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Pull the pinna down and back: This technique is appropriate for administering otic drops to an infant or young child. By gently pulling the pinna (outer ear) down and back, it straightens the ear canal, allowing the drops to enter more effectively.
B. Insert the dropper into the ear canal: This option is incorrect. It is essential not to insert the dropper directly into the ear canal, especially in young children, to prevent injury to the ear drum or ear canal.
C. Administer the ear drops at 5.5°C (42°F): The temperature at which the ear drops are administered is not typically specified in practice. Room temperature drops are generally recommended for patient comfort, but they do not need to be at a specific temperature.
D. Massage the area behind the ear: Massaging the area behind the ear after administering otic drops can help distribute the medication within the ear canal. However, it is essential to follow specific instructions provided by the healthcare provider regarding post-administration care.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. "Apply a dry gauze dressing twice per day."
This instruction may not be necessary for a hypospadias repair procedure. Typically, the surgical site will have a dressing applied immediately after the surgery, but ongoing dressing changes may not be required once the infant is discharged. It's essential to follow the specific postoperative care plan provided by the healthcare provider.
B. "Perform hourly measurements of the infant's urinary output."
Hourly measurements of urinary output may not be necessary unless specifically instructed by the healthcare provider due to concerns such as urinary retention or dehydration. However, regular monitoring of urinary output as part of routine care may be appropriate.
C. "Offer the infant 12 to 18 ounces of fruit juice daily."
Offering 12 to 18 ounces of fruit juice daily to a 6-month-old infant is not recommended. Introduction of fruit juice should be gradual and in small amounts, following guidance from healthcare providers and infant nutrition guidelines. Excessive fruit juice consumption can lead to gastrointestinal issues and may not be suitable for all infants.
D. "Avoid giving the infant a tub bath until the stent is removed."
This instruction is appropriate. After hypospadias repair surgery, a stent or catheter may be placed to aid in healing and ensure proper urine drainage. It's essential to follow healthcare provider instructions regarding bathing and hygiene to minimize the risk of infection and to ensure the stent remains in place until it is ready to be removed.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Oucher pain rating scale: The Oucher pain rating scale uses pictures of children's faces to represent varying degrees of pain intensity. This scale is specifically designed for young children and can be effective in assessing pain in preschool-aged children who may not yet be able to accurately use verbal descriptors to express their pain.
B. Word-Graphic rating scale: This type of scale presents both words and pictures to represent different levels of pain intensity. While it may be suitable for older children who can understand and use words to describe their pain, it may be less effective for a 4-year-old child who is still developing language skills.
C. Numeric rating scale: Numeric rating scales typically ask the child to rate their pain on a scale from 0 to 10, with 0 representing no pain and 10 representing the worst pain imaginable. While this scale may be appropriate for older children, it may be challenging for a 4-year-old to understand and use numbers to describe their pain.
D. Visual analog scale: Visual analog scales typically consist of a line with endpoints labeled "no pain" and "worst pain imaginable," with the child asked to mark or point to the spot on the line that represents their pain level. While this scale may be suitable for older children and adults, it may be too abstract for a 4-year-old child to understand and use effectively.

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