A patient presents with severe ear pain, itching, and discharge from the ear. Upon examination, the external auditory canal is swollen and red. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial intervention for a patient diagnosed with otitis externa?
Recommend cleaning the ear with cotton swabs daily.
Advise the patient to use over-the-counter ear drops.
Administer oral antibiotics.
Administer topical antibiotics and corticosteroids.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A Reason:
Recommending cleaning the ear with cotton swabs daily is not appropriate for managing otitis externa. Using cotton swabs can further irritate the ear canal, potentially worsening the inflammation and increasing the risk of infection. It is generally advised to avoid inserting anything into the ear canal to prevent damage and irritation.
Choice B Reason:
Advising the patient to use over-the-counter ear drops is not the best initial intervention. While some over-the-counter ear drops may provide temporary relief, they are not as effective as prescription topical antibiotics and corticosteroids in treating the underlying infection and inflammation associated with otitis externa. Proper medical treatment is necessary to ensure effective management of the condition.
Choice C Reason:
Administering oral antibiotics is not typically the first-line treatment for uncomplicated otitis externa. Oral antibiotics are reserved for cases where the infection has spread beyond the ear canal or in patients with risk factors for severe infection. Topical antibiotics and corticosteroids are preferred for their direct action on the affected area and fewer systemic side effects.
Choice D Reason:
Administering topical antibiotics and corticosteroids is the most appropriate initial intervention for otitis externa. Topical treatments effectively target the infection and reduce inflammation, providing relief from symptoms such as pain, itching, and discharge. This approach is supported by clinical guidelines and is considered the standard of care for managing otitis externa.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
A sedentary lifestyle is a significant risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes mellitus. Lack of physical activity can lead to obesity, which is a major contributor to insulin resistance. Regular physical activity helps to maintain a healthy weight, improve insulin sensitivity, and reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Choice B Reason:
A triglyceride level of 100 mg/dL is within the normal range and is not considered a risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Elevated triglyceride levels (above 150 mg/dL) are associated with an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, but a level of 100 mg/dL does not indicate an increased risk.
Choice C Reason:
A recent viral infection is not a recognized risk factor for type 2 diabetes While certain viral infections can trigger autoimmune responses leading to type 1 diabetes, they are not linked to the development of type 2 diabetes, which is primarily influenced by lifestyle factors and genetics.
Choice D Reason:
A blood glucose level of 98 mg/dL is within the normal range for fasting blood glucose and does not indicate an increased risk for type 2 diabetes. Prediabetes is diagnosed when fasting blood glucose levels are between 100 and 125 mg/dL, and diabetes is diagnosed at levels of 126 mg/dL or higher. Therefore, a blood glucose level of 98 mg/dL is not a risk factor for type 2 diabetes.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Scleral buckling is a surgical procedure used to treat retinal detachment by indenting the wall of the eye. This technique involves placing a silicone band (buckle) around the sclera (the white part of the eye) to push the wall of the eye against the detached retina. This helps to reattach the retina and prevent further detachment. Scleral buckling is effective in treating many types of retinal detachments and is a common procedure for this condition.
Choice B Reason:
Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is a type of refractive surgery used to correct vision problems such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. It involves reshaping the cornea using a laser but is not used to treat retinal detachment. PRK does not involve indenting the wall of the eye or addressing issues with the retina.
Choice C Reason:
Vitrectomy is a surgical procedure that involves removing the vitreous gel from the eye to treat various eye conditions, including retinal detachment. While vitrectomy can be used to treat retinal detachment, it does not involve indenting the wall of the eye. Instead, it allows the surgeon to access the retina and perform necessary repairs.
Choice D Reason:
Intravitreal injection involves injecting medication directly into the vitreous cavity of the eye. This procedure is used to treat conditions such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and retinal vein occlusion. It is not used to treat retinal detachment by indenting the wall of the eye.
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