A nurse is preparing to administer ear drops to a 2-year-old toddler who has an ear infection and a small amount of purulent drainage visible around the ear. Which of the following techniques should the nurse use when instilling the medication?
Firmly push a cotton ball into the ear canal after instilling drops.
Pull the child's ear auricle upward and outward just before instilling drops.
Apply clean gloves and clean the outer ear prior to instilling drops.
Warm the medication container for 10 seconds in a microwave oven prior to installation.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Firmly push a cotton ball into the ear canal after instilling drops. Firmly pushing a cotton ball into the ear canal is not recommended as it can cause irritation or damage to the ear canal. A loose cotton ball can be placed at the entrance of the ear canal to prevent the drops from leaking out, but it should not be inserted deeply.
B. Pull the child's ear auricle upward and outward just before instilling drops. For a child under 3 years old, the ear auricle should be pulled downward and backward to straighten the ear canal for proper administration of ear drops. Pulling upward and outward is appropriate for older children and adults.
C. Apply clean gloves and clean the outer ear prior to instilling drops. Applying clean gloves and cleaning the outer ear is essential for preventing infection and ensuring that the medication is administered properly. This is a standard procedure to maintain hygiene.
D. Warm the medication container for 10 seconds in a microwave oven prior to installation. Microwaving medication is not recommended as it can overheat and degrade the medication. Warming the drops by holding the container in your hands for a few minutes is safer and helps to avoid the discomfort of cold drops.
A. Firmly push a cotton ball into the ear canal after instilling drops. Firmly pushing a cotton ball into the ear canal is not recommended as it can cause irritation or damage to the ear canal. A loose cotton ball can be placed at the entrance of the ear canal to prevent the drops from leaking out, but it should not be inserted deeply.
B. Pull the child's ear auricle upward and outward just before instilling drops. For a child under 3 years old, the ear auricle should be pulled downward and backward to straighten the ear canal for proper administration of ear drops. Pulling upward and outward is appropriate for older children and adults.
C. Apply clean gloves and clean the outer ear prior to instilling drops. Applying clean gloves and cleaning the outer ear is essential for preventing infection and ensuring that the medication is administered properly. This is a standard procedure to maintain hygiene.
D. Warm the medication container for 10 seconds in a microwave oven prior to installation. Microwaving medication is not recommended as it can overheat and degrade the medication. Warming the drops by holding the container in your hands for a few minutes is safer and helps to avoid the discomfort of cold drops.
A. Firmly push a cotton ball into the ear canal after instilling drops. Firmly pushing a cotton ball into the ear canal is not recommended as it can cause irritation or damage to the ear canal. A loose cotton ball can be placed at the entrance of the ear canal to prevent the drops from leaking out, but it should not be inserted deeply.
B. Pull the child's ear auricle upward and outward just before instilling drops. For a child under 3 years old, the ear auricle should be pulled downward and backward to straighten the ear canal for proper administration of ear drops. Pulling upward and outward is appropriate for older children and adults.
C. Apply clean gloves and clean the outer ear prior to instilling drops. Applying clean gloves and cleaning the outer ear is essential for preventing infection and ensuring that the medication is administered properly. This is a standard procedure to maintain hygiene.
D. Warm the medication container for 10 seconds in a microwave oven prior to installation. Microwaving medication is not recommended as it can overheat and degrade the medication. Warming the drops by holding the container in your hands for a few minutes is safer and helps to avoid the discomfort of cold drops.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Gently reinsert the tubes. Tympanostomy tubes should not be reinserted by the parent. Inserting the tubes requires medical expertise and should be performed by a healthcare professional to avoid damaging the ear.
B. Call the health care clinic to report that the tubes have fallen out. This is the correct action. The healthcare provider needs to be informed to assess if new tubes are necessary. Tubes may naturally fall out as part of the healing process, but professional evaluation is essential to determine the next steps.
C. Reassure the mother that the tubes will not fall out. It is incorrect to reassure the parent that the tubes will not fall out. Tubes can fall out naturally as the eardrum heals, and parents should be prepared for this possibility and know the appropriate steps to take.
D. Take the child to an emergency department. This is generally not necessary unless there are signs of complications such as severe pain, infection, or significant hearing loss. Routine follow-up at the clinic is sufficient for a non-emergency situation like a tube falling out.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "Your newborn will receive the first DTaP vaccine during the initial well-baby visit.": The first dose of DTaP is typically given at 2 months, not at the newborn stage.
B. "Your newborn should receive an immunization for MMR at 6 months.": The MMR vaccine is usually administered at 12-15 months, not at 6 months.
C. "Your newborn is scheduled to have a hepatitis B vaccine prior to discharge.": Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended to be given within 24 hours of birth as the first dose of a series.
D. "Your newborn should receive the PCV vaccine two times prior to his first birthday.": The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) schedule starts at 2 months with multiple doses, but not specifically "two times" before the first birthday.
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