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 C
Explanation
A. "You will need to take the entire prescription of antibiotics even if your symptoms improve." Atopic dermatitis is typically not treated with antibiotics unless there is a secondary bacterial infection. The standard treatment usually involves topical corticosteroids and emollients.
B. "The doctor will remove the lesions with liquid nitrogen." This is incorrect as liquid nitrogen is used for treating warts and certain types of skin lesions, not atopic dermatitis.
C. "The doctor might recommend an antihistamine to help control your symptoms." This is a correct statement. Antihistamines can help reduce itching and provide relief, which is a common symptom of atopic dermatitis.
D. "You can relieve your child's discomfort by applying warm compresses to the lesions." Warm compresses are not typically recommended for atopic dermatitis. Cool compresses or baths are more beneficial to reduce itching and inflammation.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Obtain a throat culture. Throat cultures are contraindicated in suspected epiglottitis because the procedure can provoke airway obstruction and worsen the condition.
B. Visualize the epiglottis using a tongue depressor. Attempting to visualize the epiglottis can lead to sudden airway obstruction in children with epiglottitis. This is dangerous and should be avoided.
C. Initiate airborne precautions. Droplet precautions, not airborne, are necessary for epiglottitis because it is typically caused by bacteria that spread through respiratory droplets.
D. Prepare the child for a neck X-ray and possible tracheostomy. A neck X-ray can help diagnose epiglottitis by showing the characteristic "thumb sign." Immediate airway management, including preparation for a potential tracheostomy, is crucial due to the risk of sudden airway obstruction.
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